I Didn’t Defend Natasha Against Akpabio – Ex-Senate President Ahmad Lawan

Senator Ahmad Lawan, representing Yobe North, has clarified his position on the dispute between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central, asserting that his remarks were misinterpreted.  

Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances towards her, following a disagreement over seating arrangements in the Senate chambers.

The Kogi senator was subsequently suspended for six months for allegedly breaching the Senate’s standing orders, with her security detail withdrawn.

During a plenary session on March 6, Lawan, a former Senate President, stated that the Senate lacked the authority to order the withdrawal of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s security, emphasizing that despite her suspension, she remained a member of the National Assembly.

However, Senate President Akpabio disagreed, insisting that a suspended senator could not continue to enjoy legislative privileges.

Clarifying his position in a statement on Tuesday, Lawan’s media adviser, Ezrel Tabiowo, said the senator’s remarks were procedural and not a defense of Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“His remarks were strictly procedural and aimed at upholding the integrity and independence of the National Assembly,” the statement reads.

“At no point did Senator Lawan defend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan or take sides in the allegations against the Senate President.

“His intervention was purely a matter of principle, reflecting his commitment to due process and the rule of law.

“Senator Ahmad Lawan remains a statesman who prioritizes the stability and dignity of the National Assembly.”

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