Senator Natasha challenges abortion bill silence in Senate, expressing disappointment after being ruled out of order on a debate affecting women’s rights
Senator Natasha challenges abortion bill silence in a dramatic Senate session that saw sharp disagreements over a proposed amendment to Nigeria’s Criminal Code.
Also read:Â Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan condemns culture of silence
On Tuesday, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) confronted Senate President Godswill Akpabio after she was denied the opportunity to speak during debate on a bill seeking stiffer penalties for aiding abortions.
The Criminal Code Amendment Bill, already passed by the House of Representatives, aims to increase the penalty for supplying drugs or instruments to facilitate abortion from three to ten years’ imprisonment without an option of fine.
The proposal, sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, claims to bring the law in line with “contemporary social, moral, and medical realities.” However, debate on its implications quickly escalated.
Several senators raised concerns about how the bill defines “unlawful abortion.” Senator Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central) noted that abortion is sometimes medically necessary and warned against a blanket criminalisation that could jeopardise women’s lives.
Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) also expressed misgivings, stating that the amendment might discourage doctors from providing life-saving care. He called for further consultations, fearing unintended consequences.
In response to the heated discussion, Senate President Akpabio ruled that the bill be stepped down and referred to the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters for a detailed review within two weeks.
Immediately after the ruling, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan stood to request a chance to speak.
“Mr Senate President, please may I speak? I am a woman, and abortion has to do with women. It is very important, sir,” she appealed.
But Akpabio declined, stating that the matter had already been concluded.
This prompted a procedural objection from Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), who cited Senate Standing Rule 52 (6), which bars reopening any debate once the gavel has fallen.
“If you grant this exemption to Senator Natasha, then you must extend it to everyone else,” Oshiomhole said.
Speaking to journalists after the plenary, Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed disappointment:
“I am disappointed I wasn’t allowed to speak about an issue that concerns women. 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.”
She added that while the presiding officer was within his powers to close debate, she hoped to contribute during the committee review stage of the bill.
Also read:Â Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Defies Suspension, Returns to Senate Amid Tight Security
Having recently returned from a six-month suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan reaffirmed her commitment to women’s health, rights, and welfare, stressing that the voices of women must not be excluded from discussions that directly affect them.
