Support senate’s efforts to maintain discipline, Group urges Nigerians
By Kennedy Sheyin
National Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (NACOCSO) has urged Nigerians to support the senate’s efforts to maintain order and discipline, and reject attempts to undermine democratic institutions.
National Coordinator of NACOCSO, Mr Adebayo Ogorry, stated this at a rally held in support of the senate on Wednesday in Abuja.
Ogorry said that NACOCSO, a coalition of 27 CSOs and NGOs, had carefully considered the facts of the matter and was in support of Akpabio and the senate’s decision to suspend Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
He said that the senate must not bow to emotional blackmail or social media outrage fuelled by half-truth narratives.
The coordinator said that Nigeria’s democracy could only thrive when its institutions were strong, disciplined and governed by rules, not when they were manipulated to serve personal or partisan interests.
“We must ensure that the principles of accountability, order and respect remain the guiding forces of our legislative process.
“This is not about silencing anyone; it is about ensuring that the senate remains a place of reasoned debate, not theatrical disruptions,’’ he said.
Ogorry applauded the senate for upholding the principles of order, discipline and respect for the institution.
He said that the senate’s decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan was a necessary measure to maintain the integrity and dignity of the legislative body.
“It is worthy of note that Nigerians should separate facts from sensationalism and resist the growing trend of exploiting gender sentiments to mask disorderly conduct within the senate by Akpoti-Uduaghan,’’ he said.
The coordinator said that the legislative chamber was not an arena for personal grievances or emotional outbursts, but a place of order, debate and democratic principle.
He said that Akpoti-Uduaghan refused to comply with a routine seating arrangement change in the senate, carried out a disorderly conduct and violated the decorum expected of lawmakers.
Ogorry said that the Senate Committee on Ethics invited her for hearing, where she was found guilty of unruly behaviour and sanctioned accordingly.
“We condemn Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions, which have brought disrepute to the senate and undermined the democratic process.
“Her refusal to comply with the seating arrangement demonstrated a blatant disregard for the rules and institutions of our democracy,’’ he said.
Ogorry said that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition in the senate was not against the senate president but her conduct on the floor of the senate, which violated the decorum expected of lawmakers.
“We are aware that reshuffling of seats in the senate is a regular routine that happens all the time and it’s always done in a way that ensures order and pays respect to seniority.
“The issue has nothing to do with gender-based suppression; the rules of the senate cannot be bent just because a particular lawmaker chooses to play the victim.
“Every senator, regardless of gender, must conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the integrity of the Red Chamber. We cannot start excusing unruly behaviour because of gender,’’ he said.
Ogorry said that the senate was not and had never been against women, adding that no lawmaker – man or woman – was above the rules of the chamber.
According to him, the rules of engagement apply equally to all members, and when a senator repeatedly flouts those rules, there must be consequences.
The coordinator said that the allegations of sexual harassment were never before the senate, as it had been taken to court. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Dorcas Jonah and ‘Wale Sadeeq
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