Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared that no member of the upper legislative chamber will be allowed to disrupt proceedings or undermine the institution’s authority.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his media aide, Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio said the Senate remains committed to upholding its rules and maintaining order to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.
“The Senate cannot and will not be held hostage by the disruptive instincts of any of its members,” he said, adding that enforcing discipline is essential for stability, not a move to suppress dissent.
Although Akpabio did not mention any lawmaker by name, his remarks come amid renewed controversy surrounding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central, who recently returned from a six-month suspension she continues to contest.
The Senate President explained that discipline and respect for parliamentary rules are global standards observed in other democracies, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, where legislators who defy procedure face sanctions.
“In advanced parliaments, no member—no matter how influential—can openly defy the authority of the presiding officer without consequences,” he said.
Akpabio emphasised that the Senate’s Standing Orders are not outdated regulations but essential instruments that ensure fairness, consistency, and respect within the chamber. He maintained that the 10th Senate would continue to function as a model of stability and collective responsibility.
“When we insist on order, it is not to silence anyone but to preserve the Senate as a cornerstone of democracy,” he noted.
Describing his leadership style as firm but inclusive, Akpabio said the legislature must remain a stabilising force in the country, even amid growing populism and political tension.
“True leadership is not about applause; it is about ensuring stability,” he added. “Rules properly enforced are not tools of oppression—they are shields that protect our democracy from decay.”
His comments come as debates over legislative discipline and the boundaries of free expression continue to shape political discourse in Nigeria.
