Anderson Cooper's Take: The Senate Drama Unfolded

Former Senator Elisha Abbo Calls Out Senate President Akpabio on Natasha’s Suspension

Let me tell you, folks, the Nigerian Senate has been heating up, and former Senator Elisha Ishaku Abbo isn’t holding back. He’s taking direct aim at Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the controversial suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central. This isn’t just a Senate drama; it’s a political storm that’s got everyone talking.

Naija News reported that Abbo made these bold accusations during a fiery interview on Arise News’ PrimeTime show, aired on the night of April 2, 2025. He didn’t mince words, bringing up past Senate conflicts and contrasting them with Akpabio’s recent actions. Abbo argued that Akpabio’s handling of Natasha’s case was nothing short of bias and heavy-handedness.

Why is Abbo So Critical of Akpabio?

Now, let’s dive deeper into what’s got Abbo so riled up. He pointed out that Akpabio’s suspension of Natasha was far from fair, especially when you consider Akpabio's own history in the Senate. Remember the time Akpabio had a heated verbal exchange with former Senate President Bukola Saraki over a seating arrangement? That situation was resolved with maturity and respect, without any suspension or drastic measures.

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But here’s the kicker: Akpabio didn’t stop at suspending Natasha for six months. No, he went further, withdrawing her security, stopping her salary, and even banning her from the National Assembly premises. It’s like Akpabio sat on his throne as if he were an emperor, issuing commands that some argue could put Natasha’s life in danger.

Abbo emphasized this point, saying, “In the case of Natasha, it took a different dimension.” He continued, “He sat like the emperor that he claims he is and said the woman should be suspended for six months, withdrew her security, stopped payment of her salary, barred her from being seen near the National Assembly building, and even ordered the Inspector General of Police not to provide her with security.”

He added, “In another way, he exposed her to be killed. When you withdraw somebody’s security—which is not right—that means you are exposing her to be killed. The IG realized that it was not a good thing to do because if tomorrow they hear that Natasha is killed, something will happen.”

Comparing Past Actions to Present Decisions

Abbo wasn’t done there. He compared this situation to Akpabio’s own past when he was involved in a verbal spat with Saraki in the 8th Senate over a seat. Despite the intensity of the disagreement, Akpabio wasn’t suspended. So, Abbo asked, “If Akpabio was not suspended because of a seat in the 8th Assembly, why are you suspending Natasha for six months if your only motivation is because of a seat?”

Legal Questions and Contempt of Court

Abbo also raised serious legal questions about Natasha’s suspension. He noted that Natasha had obtained a court injunction preventing the Senate from investigating her alleged misconduct until the substantive case was properly heard. However, the Senate ignored this court order and went ahead with the suspension.

Abbo stated, “The Senate went against the court judgment and suspended her—that is contempt of court,” he said. “It was after they finished suspending Natasha that they went to court to vacate the order barring them. And I’m sorry to use this word, but instead of arresting Akpabio for contempt of court, the judge cowardly vacated his own judgment and recused himself from the case.”

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The Recall Saga: Is It Legitimate?

Abbo wasn’t shy about addressing the talk of a planned recall of Natasha from the 10th Senate. He declared that no one has the power to recall her, calling the entire plan a fraudulent scheme. He passionately stated, “Senator Natasha should continue doing what she is doing. I heard that they want to recall her—nobody can recall Natasha. Take note and write it down, we are not a banana republic. They went to forge signatures.”

This drama in the Nigerian Senate isn’t just about political disagreements; it’s about the rule of law, fairness, and the integrity of the legislative process. As we watch these events unfold, one thing is clear: the Senate’s actions are under intense scrutiny, and the public is paying close attention. Stay tuned, because this story is far from over.