A former member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Teejay Yusuf, has described the ongoing rift between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the leadership of the Nigerian Senate as a “needless crisis” that is fast dragging the upper chamber into disrepute.

Yusuf, who represented Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency from 2011 to 2023, said the Senate under President Godswill Akpabio was “progressing in error” over the handling of what began as a minor seating dispute but has since snowballed into a full-blown controversy.

In a personally signed statement, the former lawmaker said he had expected the Senate leadership, given its experience, to approach the issue with more tact, maturity and sincerity. Instead, he argued, the response has revealed a lack of restraint and a worrying intolerance for dissenting voices.

“The relocation of seating arrangement, which was the initial matter, should not have been allowed to snowball into other bigger issues if handled with care, fairness, and understanding,” Yusuf stated.

“Somehow, as events unfold it appears there is more to the matter. First, Akpabio, not realising the microphone was on, allegedly gave directive for the suspension of Natasha whilst discussions were still on-going. “Two, it took public outcry before attending to the petition by Natasha’s constituents.”

He also questioned the process that led to the Senate’s disciplinary actions against Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing the speed with which the Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions submitted its report and the severity of its recommendations.

“The swiftness and hurried nature in which the Senate’s Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petition completed its assignment, and submitted the report gave serious concerns,” he said. “The number of weighty recommendations and severity gives the impression that the committee may be dancing to the rhythms of some drummers.”

Drawing comparisons with past legislative disputes, Yusuf noted that disagreements are not unusual in democratic parliaments. He cited instances involving Akpabio himself and other former presiding officers, including former Senate Presidents Bukola Saraki and David Mark, which were resolved without resorting to suspensions or punitive measures.

“It should be reiterated that parliament, all over the world is naturally a place of contestation. That Akpoti-Uduaghan complained about the seating arrangement is not out of the ordinary. Such would have been resolved peacefully and amicably; without recourse to brickbats, and emotional outbursts by all parties.

“In any case, similar – and possibly worse – incidents had happened in Nigeria’s legislature which did not lead to what we are witnessing.

“Recall Akpabio’s disagreement with Senator Saraki (then Senate President) over seating arrangement; Saraki and Senator David Mark (then Senate President) over some issues; Femi Gbajabiamila (as opposition leader); Chinda Kingsley, Rima Shawulu, and my humble self with Gbajabiamila (as Speaker). In all of these situations, despite fierce protestations, and arguments, they were resolved amicably; it did not lead to the suspension of any member or senator. That is the beauty, and significance of the legislature.

“It is imperative to counsel Akpabio, and the leadership of Nigeria’s Senate that they should learn to accommodate dissenting voices as much as practicable and possible. Senators who are new and others should be allowed to ventilate their opinions, and make contributions to debates; even when the leadership has different positions. That is what makes the legislature vibrant and dynamic.”

Yusuf praised Akpoti-Uduaghan for her courage and determination to speak up despite the pressures. He urged her to remain focused on serving the people of Kogi Central, whom he described as unwavering in their support for her.

Yusuf also cautioned the Kogi State Government against taking sides in the matter, saying any alleged involvement in the recall process would be both divisive and undemocratic.

“I appeal to those behind the recall to backtrack, and stop forthwith by not overheating the political system in Kogi state. Elections are over, though of different political parties, Akpoti-Uduaghan is representing the state at the National Assembly,” he said. “The best Kogi state government can do is to seek ways towards resolving the crisis, and not taking sides, and embarking on actions that will end in failures.”

Calling for national intervention, the former lawmaker appealed to statesmen and other well-meaning Nigerians to help mediate the dispute in the interest of the Senate’s image and Nigeria’s democracy.

“The image of the Senate has been bruised. Something urgent must be done to salvage it,” he said.