In a compelling interview on Arise News, former Senator Elisha Ishaku Abbo, who represented Adamawa North, has firmly declared that efforts to recall suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from Kogi Central in the 10th Senate are futile. Abbo's remarks, made on April 2, spotlight the controversial suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan and the handling of the situation by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Abbo did not hold back in criticizing the Senate's approach to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case, arguing that Akpabio's actions were politically biased and excessively heavy-handed. He drew a stark contrast between Akpabio’s treatment of Akpoti-Uduaghan and his own experiences during the 8th Senate, when conflicts with then-Senate President Bukola Saraki were resolved with a spirit of maturity.
“In the case of Natasha, it took a different dimension,” Abbo asserted. He described Akpabio's treatment of Akpoti-Uduaghan as that of an "emperor," enacting a six-month suspension, withdrawing her security details, halting her salary payments, and barring her from the National Assembly premises. Abbo emphasized the grave risks this imposed on her safety, stating, “When you withdraw somebody’s security which is not right, that means you are exposing her to be killed.”
Highlighting potential legal implications, Abbo questioned the legitimacy of Akpabio’s reasons for the suspension: “If Akpabio was not suspended because of a seat in the 8th Assembly, why are you suspending Natasha for six months?” He pointed out that Akpoti-Udughan had previously secured a court injunction preventing Senate action regarding her alleged misconduct until the main case was heard. Abbo claimed the Senate's defiance of this court ruling constituted contempt of court.
“The Senate went against the court judgment and suspended her. that is contempt of court,” he stated. He expressed dismay that, following the suspension, the Senate sought to vacate the order, calling out the legal system for failing to hold Akpabio accountable.
On the topic of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s potential recall, Abbo dismissed these efforts as an inflated scheme lacking significant support. He encouraged Akpoti-Uduaghan to remain steadfast in her duties, insisting, “Nobody can recall Natasha. Take note and write it down; we are not a banana republic. They went to forge signatures.”
Abbo’s outspoken defense of Akpoti-Uduaghan raises essential questions about political integrity, legal efficacy, and the broader implications for democracy in Nigeria. As this story unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will influence the ongoing conversation surrounding political conduct in the nation’s Senate.
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