New drama between Akpabio, Natasha as both clash over abortion bill

Another round of drama ensued in the Senate on Tuesday between Senator Natasha Akpoti -Uduaghan  and Senate president Akpabio after Senator Natasha was ruled out of order following an attempt to confront the issue of abortion.

Lawmakers spent over an hour discussing the Criminal Code Act Amendment Bill 2025, which aims to impose harsher penalties on Nigerian offenders.

The bill was one of the 4 bills listed on the order paper for concurrence from the House of Representatives.

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The first three clauses of the law were swiftly addressed by the Senate in a clause-by-clause review, which resulted in a heavy life sentence for defilement.

However, the upper legislative chamber ran into trouble defining when abortion would be deemed cruel or merciful.

The Senate decided to step down in order to allow for further consultation after failing to find a solution and depending on the move of Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.

Following this, Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, poses the question in accordance with Senate procedures; those who agree answer “I,” while those who disagree say “Nay.”

Meanwhile, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s voice could be heard requesting a point of order to address the issue just as Akpabio struck the gavel, one of the emblems of finality, authority, and power in legislative procedure.

With Akpabio delaying a little and even attempting to give Akpoti-Uduaghan an opportunity to speak, it appeared to be a bit late for the Senate to permit additional discussion on the issue at this juncture.

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Senator Adam Oshiomhole of the APC Edo North, however, swiftly retorted that the issue had already been resolved and that if Akpabio let her to do so, it may create a negative precedent since it would be against Senate standing rules.

Akpabio upheld the objection, citing Rule 52, Sub-6, which prohibits reopening a matter once it has been concluded.