Senator Ishaku Abbo has raised serious concerns regarding the recent suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti by the Senate leadership, pointing out a glaring inconsistency in the way disciplinary actions are applied within the Senate.
Senator Abbo, representing Adamawa North, took to the floor of the Senate to express his dissatisfaction with the manner in which Senator Natasha Akpoti was suspended. He questioned the motives behind the suspension, noting that the action was ordered by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, despite the fact that Akpabio himself was never punished for a similar offence during the tenure of former Senate President Bukola Saraki.
According to Senator Abbo, the suspension of Senator Akpoti appeared to be a case of selective justice, arguing that Akpabio’s actions were inconsistent with the Senate's established practices. “If we are going to maintain discipline and uphold the rules of the Senate, then there should be a fair application of the rules across the board,” Abbo stated. “When Senator Akpabio was a member of the Senate during Saraki’s leadership, he was involved in similar actions that warranted disciplinary measures, yet he was never held accountable for those actions.”
Abbo further highlighted the importance of fairness and transparency in the legislative process, asserting that the leadership should not engage in acts of vindictiveness or favoritism, which could undermine the integrity of the Senate. He called for an urgent review of the suspension to ensure that the rules are applied equitably and without bias.
The senator also called for a broader conversation on the issue of accountability within the Senate, urging fellow lawmakers to take a stand against double standards and to push for a legislative environment where all members are treated equally, regardless of their political affiliations or positions.