“Senate Not Banana Republic, Rules Must Be Obeyed” — Spokesman Defends Natasha’s Suspension

The Senate has defended its decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, insisting that all legislative activities are governed by rules that must be respected.

Speaking at a one-day capacity-building workshop in Abuja, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, dismissed suggestions that the upper chamber acted arbitrarily, stressing that the National Assembly is not a “banana republic.”

Adaramodu urged journalists covering parliamentary activities to help educate Nigerians on the Senate’s standing rules to prevent misconceptions about disciplinary actions taken during plenary sessions. He cited Section 6(1) of the Senate Standing Rules, which empowers the Senate President to assign and reassign seats to senators.

He explained that incidents like the one involving Akpoti-Uduaghan often result from either a lack of understanding or a refusal to comply with these rules. According to him, a senator who ignores seat assignments cannot be recognised by the Senate President, and insisting otherwise can trigger sanctions.

Adaramodu further noted that seat allocations are not permanent and can be adjusted at the discretion of the Senate President. He maintained that obedience to legislative procedures is crucial to upholding order and credibility in the National Assembly.