The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on Thursday staged a peaceful protest in Abuja over the conflict between the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, urging lawmakers to uphold and protect the sanctity of the National Assembly.
Addressing newsmen during the solidarity protest held at the National Assembly entrance gate, NANS President, Comrade Comrade Olushola Oladoja, frowned at the escalation of a skirmish that erupted at the Red Chamber between Akpabio and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan over the seating arrangement.
Oladoja said the student body was disturbed by the ugly development saying this was an unnecessary distraction.
He called on lawmakers to remain focused on deliberation on issues of national interest that directly impact the well-being of citizens rather than pursuing personal vendettas that could undermine the integrity of individuals, the Senate as an institution, and Nigeria as a nation.
The peaceful protest was held amid controversies surrounding the allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of power against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
NANS, however, expressed confidence in the leadership of the 10th Senate under the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, emphasising the need to protect the integrity of the legislative process.
The NANS President said: “The recent exchanges in the Nigerian Senate, marked by attacks and counterattacks, have raised serious concerns. As Nigerian students, we find it necessary to weigh in on these developments.
“The growing trend of personal attacks and political rhetoric dominating Senate proceedings is deeply troubling, especially at a time when the Federal Government is making concerted efforts to reshape the country’s economic trajectory, combat inflation, reduce the cost of living, and promote socio-cultural respect, dignity, and harmony.
“In light of these pressing national priorities, I stand to reaffirm the crucial role of lawmakers, particularly Senators, in enacting legislation that facilitates good governance and drives meaningful reforms for the benefit of all Nigerians.
“While it is imperative that lawmakers uphold and protect the sanctity of the National Assembly, it is equally important that Senators conduct themselves with decorum and in adherence to the rule of law in their engagements,” Oladoja stated.
He highlighted the crucial role of legislature in democratic governance and appealed to lawmakers to maintain a high standard of accountability to uphold public trust and confidence in the government.
While calling for calm, restraint, and a renewed commitment to peace-building in the interest of national progress and the well-being of all Nigerians, the NANS President said Nigerians deserve good governance, and that the current political atmosphere threatens to hinder effective collaboration between the Senate and other arms of government in achieving this goal.
“Given the seriousness of the alleged misconduct and the fact that the case is already in court, I urge all parties concerned to conduct themselves appropriately and desist from making comments that could insight sentiments that are detrimental to the nation’s peace.
“Similarly, NANS recommends that the Senate takes appropriate disciplinary action against any senator in question found wanting of amplifying this issue under discourse and found guilty of any violations after the court’s verdict.
“Such actions not only reinforce the importance of adhering to the Senate’s rules but also serve as a reminder that we are all responsible for maintaining the dignity of our legislative body.
“If these tensions persist, they risk further heating up the political landscape, triggering unintended negative consequences for both the Senate and the country, and deepening divisions among Nigerians.
“We also encourage the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to remain steadfast and committed to strengthening the synergy between the National Assembly and the Presidency, led by His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Oladoja stated.
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