Elisha Abbo, a senator who once represented Adamawa North, has criticised Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of running the Senate like an emperor.
Speaking on Arise News on Wednesday, Abbo condemned the suspension of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 for “gross misconduct” following a dispute over seating arrangements with Akpabio. The Senate also halted her salaries, allowances, and those of her aides, while her security detail was withdrawn for the duration of the suspension.
The Kogi senator maintained that she’s being punished for rejecting sexual advances from Akpabio.
Abbo argued that removing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s security put her at risk, exposing her to potential harm. He also criticised the directive barring her from the National Assembly premises and stopping the Inspector General of Police from providing her security, warning that such actions could have severe consequences.
Abbo said, “He sat like the emperor that he claims he is and said the woman (Natasha) should be suspended for six months.
“He also withdrew her security, stopped payment of her salary, barred her from being seen near the national assembly building, and even ordered the inspector general of police not to provide her with security.
“When you withdraw somebody’s security — which is not right — that means you are exposing them to be killed.”
The Adamawa politician recalled how similar disputes in the past were handled more diplomatically, citing Akpabio’s own history with former Senate President Bukola Saraki during the 8th Senate.
Regarding the ongoing recall process against Akpoti-Uduaghan, Abbo dismissed it as a fraudulent exercise, alleging that it involved forged signatures.
