No Senator Will Hold Chamber Hostage – Akpabio Warns Amid Discipline Debate

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared that the National Assembly will not be undermined by the disruptive actions of any lawmaker, emphasizing the need for discipline and adherence to legislative rules to protect Nigeria’s democracy.

In a statement released Saturday by his media aide, Eseme Eyiboh, titled “The Trials and Triumphs of a Resilient Nigeria’s 10th Senate,” Akpabio stressed that enforcing Senate rules is not about stifling dissent, but about maintaining order and institutional integrity.

“The Senate cannot and will not be held hostage by the disruptive instincts of any of its members,” Akpabio said. “Democracy thrives only when its institutions are respected and its rules upheld.”

Though he did not mention anyone by name, his comments come as tensions simmer around Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central), who recently returned from a contested six-month suspension.

Akpabio highlighted that parliamentary discipline is a cornerstone of every mature democracy, noting that legislative chambers in the UK, Canada, and Australia operate under similar principles. “The authority of the Speaker in the UK’s House of Commons, for example, is absolute — no member can defy it without facing consequences,” he added.

He rejected the notion that Senate rules are outdated or merely symbolic, insisting they are essential tools for maintaining fairness and order. “Our Standing Orders are not ceremonial relics — they are vital to the consistency and sanctity of our legislative process.”

The Senate President defended the institution’s right to sanction members who violate procedure, citing international examples where lawmakers are suspended or expelled to preserve the dignity of parliament.

“In respected democracies, disciplinary action is routine when a member undermines parliamentary order. Nigeria’s Senate is no different and must uphold similar standards,” Akpabio said.

He described the 10th Senate as a “chamber of resilience and balance,” committed to demonstrating that true democracy allows freedom within the framework of order.

“When we say the Senate won’t be held hostage, we affirm that collective responsibility must outweigh individual grandstanding,” he said. “Strong legislatures don’t silence dissent they ensure dissent operates within the bounds of the rules.”

Akpabio concluded by stating that his leadership prioritizes stability and inclusion, especially at a time of growing populism and public distrust. “This isn’t about seeking applause,” he said. “It’s about protecting the Senate’s moral authority. When rules are properly enforced, they become a shield not a weapon.”

His remarks come amid broader discussions on legislative discipline and the boundaries of free expression within Nigeria’s parliamentary system.