Senator Natasha Akpoti
Nigerian Senate has emphasized that its operations are governed by strict rules that all members must follow, dismissing any notion of operating as a lawless entity.
This was highlighted by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, during a one-day capacity-building workshop for journalists in Abuja.
Addressing the recent controversy surrounding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, Adaramodu firmly stated, “The National Assembly is not a banana republic. We operate under rules that must be obeyed.”
He urged journalists covering the Senate to play a pivotal role in educating the public about these regulations, saying, “You have a key responsibility to ensure Nigerians understand our processes to avoid misconceptions about disciplinary measures.”
Adaramodu stressed the importance of informed reporting, particularly regarding Section 6(1) of the Senate Standing Rules, which grants the Senate President authority to assign and reassign seats as needed.
He explained that misunderstandings, such as the incident involving Akpoti-Uduaghan, often arise from non-compliance with these rules.
“If a senator is assigned seat number 10 but insists on sitting in seat number 13, they will not be recognized by the Senate President, and that can lead to issues,” he clarified.
He further noted that seat assignments are not fixed and can be adjusted at the Senate President’s discretion, emphasizing, “Obedience to our legislative procedures is essential for maintaining order and credibility in the National Assembly.”
Adaramodu called on journalists to deepen their knowledge of Senate rules to ensure accurate reporting and public understanding.
