By Juliet Aliwo.
A former member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Teejay Yusuf, has strongly criticized the Senate’s handling of the ongoing feud between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stating the upper chamber is “fast progressing in error.”
Yusuf, who represented Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency for twelve years, expressed his disappointment in a statement, arguing that the conflict was “needless” and could have been avoided with “maturity and proper reasoning.”
“As a former federal lawmaker, I feel disappointed at the way, and manner the disagreement between the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is being managed,” Yusuf stated. “Fact is, the Senate seems to be progressing in error, on a needless matter that should not have led to a full-blown crisis.”
He questioned the Senate’s approach, asking, “Why go to war when proper reasoning would have saved the situation?” Yusuf pointed to several concerns, including the swiftness of the Senate’s Committee on Ethics’ report and allegations of manipulated attendance lists.
Yusuf emphasized that parliamentary contestation is normal, but the handling of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seating arrangement complaint was mishandled. He cited past legislative disputes that were resolved amicably, contrasting them with the current situation.
He called on Akpabio and the Senate leadership to “learn to accommodate dissenting voices,” recognizing the value of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s contributions. He also condemned alleged involvement of the Kogi state government in the crisis, including reports of a recall attempt.
“The best Kogi state government can do is to seek ways towards resolving the crisis, and not taking sides,” Yusuf advised.
Yusuf concluded by urging “credible, and patriotic Nigerians” to intervene and resolve the feud, which he believes has “bruised and battered” the Senate’s image.
