Akpabio, Natasha Clash on Senate Floor Over Abortion Bill Debate

The Senate on Tuesday witnessed a tense exchange as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed over the abortion bill, officially known as the Criminal Code Amendment Bill. The proposed legislation seeks to impose stiffer penalties on individuals aiding or procuring abortions in Nigeria, sparking heated debate among lawmakers with opposing views on the matter.

The bill, which was earlier passed by the House of Representatives and presented for concurrence by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, proposes to increase the punishment for anyone who supplies drugs or instruments to facilitate abortions from three years to ten years’ imprisonment, without the option of a fine.

According to the sponsor, the amendment aims to bring Nigeria’s Criminal Code Act in line with “contemporary social, moral, and medical realities.”

However, the debate became heated as senators expressed differing views on what constitutes an “unlawful abortion.”

Senator Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central) argued that some abortions could be medically justified to save lives, warning that blanket criminalisation could endanger women in emergency situations. Similarly, Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) cautioned that the amendment might discourage medical practitioners from performing life-saving procedures. He urged the Senate to suspend further deliberation and allow for wider consultation before taking a final decision.

Following the back-and-forth, Senate President Akpabio ruled that the bill be stepped down and referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters for further review within two weeks.

Moments after the ruling, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan sought recognition to speak on the matter, appealing to the presiding officer.

“Mr. Senate President, please may I speak? I am a woman, and abortion has to do with women. It is very important, sir,” she said.

Akpabio, however, declined her request, maintaining that the matter had already been suspended.

At that point, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) raised a point of order, warning that reopening the debate would contravene the Senate’s standing rules.

“If you grant this exemption to Senator Natasha, then you must extend it to everyone else,” Oshiomhole stated.

Upholding his objection, Akpabio cited Rule 52 (Subsection 6) of the Senate Standing Orders, which bars reconsideration of any matter that has been concluded.

“I rule Senator Natasha out of order,” Akpabio declared.

Speaking with journalists after plenary, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed disappointment at being denied the opportunity to contribute to the debate, stressing that as a woman and mother, her perspective was crucial on issues concerning women’s health and rights.

“I am disappointed I wasn’t allowed to speak about an issue that concerns women,” she said. “I am a woman, a mother, and I felt I should have been recognised — especially since there were only two women present at plenary today.”

She, however, expressed optimism that she would make her input when the bill reaches the committee stage.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who recently returned from a six-month suspension, reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for issues affecting women and children in the Senate.

VANGUARD