By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said the Senate will not be held hostage by the disruptive conduct of any member, stressing the need for discipline and adherence to legislative rules to preserve the integrity of the National Assembly.
In a statement by his media aide, Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio said enforcing Senate rules is not about silencing dissent but about maintaining order and respect for democratic institutions.
Though he mentioned no names, his comments follow renewed controversy over the reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central), who recently returned from a six-month suspension.
Akpabio reaffirmed that the Senate’s Standing Orders are vital to ensuring fairness and stability, describing them as a “living constitution” that safeguards the legislative process.
He said the 10th Senate remains committed to inclusion, collective responsibility, and respect for procedure in expressing dissent.
