“This is not a nightclub,” Akpabio cautions female colleague

Story from Uji A. ILIYASU

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, on Thursday, told the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, that Senate chamber was not a night club, therefore, she must observe all necessary protocols before speaking during plenary.

The senators were debating a Bill for an Act to establish National Road Transport Council, which was sponsored by the Deputy Senate Leader, Oyelola Ashiru (APC Kwara South).

The Bill titled: “National Road Transportation Council (Establishment) Bill, 2024”, was aimed at regulating the road transport industry, transport profession and other related matters in Nigeria.

While many senators supported the Bill, some, including Senator Victor Umeh and Senator Adams Oshiomhole kicked against it.

Opponents of the Bill argued that creating the council would be a duplication of the functions of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Vehicles Inspection Office (VIO).

They argued that the Bill shouldn’t be passed at a time the government was trying to implement the Oronsanye report by merging some agencies that perform similar functions.

READ ALSO: Senate swears in Natasha Akpoti as Kogi Central senator

When Akpabio subjected the Bill to voice vote to determine its popularity or otherwise, many senators shouted ‘aye’ and many others said ‘nay.’ This happened two times.

Senator Natasha who earlier contributed and suggested that the issue of water transportation should also be looked into, to free nigerian roads of serious burden, stood up again without Akpabio’s permission.

The female senator said, “Mr President, we don’t want the Bill to be killed, we just want a bit of clarification. We don’t want the bill killed, but it should be slightly modified.”

But responding, Akpabio said, “Distinguished Senator Natasha, in the chamber, you have to be recognised before you speak. We are not in a night club.” Senator Natasha apologised: “Oh, pardon me.”

After that, the debate continued, but the Bill was eventually rejected by the senators.

Proofreading, editing by Uji A Iliyasu, Editor at Neptune Prime

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