Abuja, Nigeria — A mild drama unfolded at the National Assembly on Tuesday as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed during deliberations on the Criminal Code Amendment Bill, which seeks tougher penalties for abortion-related offences.
The proposed amendment, sponsored by the House of Representatives and presented for concurrence by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, recommends increasing the punishment for aiding or procuring abortion from three to ten years’ imprisonment, without an option of fine.
The bill aims to align Nigeria’s Criminal Code Act with modern moral, social, and medical realities. However, the debate quickly grew heated as several lawmakers disagreed over what constitutes an “unlawful abortion.”
Senator Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central) argued that abortion could be medically justified in emergencies and should not always be treated as a crime. Similarly, Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) expressed fears that the bill might discourage doctors from offering life-saving advice or treatment in critical situations.
Following rising tensions, Akpabio intervened, suspending further debate and directing the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters to review contentious sections and report back within two weeks.
“The matter is hereby stepped down in totality,” Akpabio ruled, adopting the motion through a voice vote.
Moments later, Akpoti-Uduaghan sought recognition to speak, insisting that as a woman, she should be allowed to contribute to the debate. Akpabio, however, declined, prompting Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) to raise a point of order, warning against bending Senate rules.
Citing Rule 52, Subsection 6, Akpabio upheld Oshiomhole’s objection and ruled Akpoti-Uduaghan “out of order.”
Speaking later to Jungle Journalist, Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed disappointment over being silenced on a subject that directly affects women.
“I am disappointed I wasn’t allowed to speak about an issue that concerns women,” she said. “I felt excluded, especially as only two women were present in the Senate today.”
The Kogi Central senator, recently reinstated from a six-month suspension, reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for women’s rights and promised to make her input when the bill reaches the committee stage.
The controversial bill will return to plenary once the judiciary committee concludes its review.
By Jungle Journalist Media Limited
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