Akpabio, Natasha clash at Senate during abortion bill debate

Akpabio, Natasha clash at Senate during abortion bill debate

A tense moment unfolded in the Nigerian Senate on Tuesday during deliberations on the Criminal Code Amendment Bill, which seeks to impose harsher penalties for aiding or procuring abortions. The bill, already passed by the House of Representatives, proposes increasing the punishment for supplying abortion-related drugs or instruments from three to ten years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine.

Presented for concurrence by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, the bill aims to align Nigeria’s Criminal Code with what its sponsor described as “contemporary social, moral, and medical realities.”

However, the debate quickly became contentious as lawmakers clashed over the definition and implications of “unlawful abortion.” Senator Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central) argued that abortion, in some cases, may be medically necessary or even supported by religious doctrine. He warned that a blanket criminalization could jeopardize women’s lives.

Echoing similar concerns, Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) cautioned that the proposed amendment might deter medical professionals from performing life-saving procedures. He called for a suspension of the bill to allow for broader consultations, emphasizing the need to avoid legislation that could inadvertently endanger lives.

READ ALSO:

• Nnamdi Kanu lists Malami, Wike, Umahi, Sanwo-Olu, Danjuma, Buratai, others, as witnesses
• FG will add 540MW with ALSCON power restoration – Minister
• Breaking: ASUU suspends 2-week warning strike

In response to the escalating debate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio ruled that the bill be stepped down and referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters for further scrutiny. The committee is expected to report back within two weeks.

Following the ruling, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) sought to contribute to the discussion, appealing to the Senate President: “Mr. Senate President, please may I speak? I am a woman, and abortion has to do with women. It is very important, sir.”

Akpabio, however, declined the request, stating that the matter had been suspended “in totality.” His decision was backed by Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), who raised a point of order citing Senate Standing Rule 52 (Subsection 6), which prohibits revisiting a matter once concluded. Akpabio upheld the objection, ruling Akpoti-Uduaghan out of order.

Speaking to journalists after the plenary, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed disappointment at being denied the opportunity to speak on a matter she said directly affects 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.”

Despite the setback, the senator, who recently returned from a six-month suspension, expressed hope that she would have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully when the bill reaches the committee stage. She reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for women and children in the legislature.

Akpabio, Natasha clash at Senate during abortion bill debate