The Senate President Godswill Akpabio publicly apologised to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following a controversial remark he made during a heated debate on the National Road Transport Council (Establishment) Bill, 2024.
The incident occurred when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, stood up to speak without being recognised.
In response, Akpabio remarked, “Distinguished Senator Natasha, in the chamber, you have to be recognised before you speak. We are not in a nightclub.”
This comment sparked a wave of backlash on social media.
Akpabio, addressing the Senate on Thursday, expressed regret for his comment, explaining that his words had been misunderstood and taken out of context.
“In the course of talking to one of my distinguished sisters, I made reference to the fact that we are not in a nightclub where people have to shout above the noise of the music, and the social media went agog,” he explained.
He continued, sharing that the backlash affected his personal life as well. “My wife called me that people got angry and published her number, saying they should occupy her line. She received over 2,000 to 3,000 phone calls a day.
“I tried to put on one of my phones, and the number was in the public, and the phone crashed after about three hours.”
Emphasising the importance of the public’s engagement with Senate activities, Akpabio noted, “I am very happy with the interest generated by Nigerians with what goes on in this chamber.
“For them to be interested in what goes on here means that we are connecting with the people directly.”
During the session, Senators were debating a bill sponsored by the Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Oyelola Ashiru (APC Kwara South), aimed at regulating the road transport industry. The bill faced mixed reactions, with some senators supporting it and others, including Senators Victor Umeh and Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North), opposing it on grounds of redundancy with existing agencies.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who had previously contributed to the debate, stood up again to seek clarification without Akpabio’s permission, prompting his nightclub comment.
The bill was eventually subjected to a voice vote twice and was ultimately rejected.
Concluding his apology, Akpabio said, “The communication was totally misunderstood. I feel I should tender a public apology to you.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan acknowledged the apology with grace, allowing the Senate to move forward with its proceedings.
