Senate Drama: Akpabio Bars Akpoti-Uduaghan from Speaking During Heated Abortion Bill Debate

A mild drama unfolded in the Senate on Tuesday as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed during a debate on the Criminal Code Amendment Bill. The bill, presented for concurrence by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, seeks to impose harsher penalties for individuals involved in aiding or procuring abortions, increasing prison terms for supplying abortion drugs or instruments from three to ten years without an option of fine. It also aims to align Nigeria’s Criminal Code Act with evolving social, moral, and medical considerations.

The debate grew tense as senators disagreed over what constitutes an “unlawful abortion.” Senator Saliu Mustapha of Kwara Central argued that abortion could be medically or religiously justified in certain cases, while Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi Central cautioned that the amendment might discourage doctors from providing life-saving medical advice. Ningi called for the bill to be stepped down for broader consultation to avoid endangering lives.

Senate President Akpabio suspended further consideration of the bill, directing the Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters Committee to review the contentious sections and report back within two weeks. The motion was adopted through a voice vote. Moments later, Akpoti-Uduaghan sought to speak, emphasizing her perspective as a woman on an issue directly affecting women. Akpabio ruled her out of order, citing that the matter had been fully stepped down. Edo North Senator Adams Oshiomhole supported the ruling, noting that allowing an exception would undermine Senate rules.

Following the plenary, Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed disappointment at being denied the opportunity to contribute to the debate, highlighting her role as one of only two women present in the Senate that day. She said she intends to make her inputs when the bill reaches the committee stage. Akpoti-Uduaghan recently returned from a six-month suspension, during which she had previously clashed with Akpabio over seat allocation and alleged misconduct.