Ex-Rep Teejay Yusuf Blasts Senate Over Mishandling of Akpabio-Natasha Feud

A three-term former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Teejay Yusuf, has criticized the Nigerian Senate for what he described as “progressing in error” over the ongoing feud between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

In a strongly worded statement personally signed on Saturday, the former lawmaker, who represented Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency from 2011 to 2023, said the Senate’s handling of the matter lacked tact, fairness, and genuine leadership.

“As a former federal lawmaker, who had the privilege of representing my constituency, and Nigeria for twelve years in the House of Representatives, I feel disappointed at the way and manner the disagreement between the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is being managed,” Teejay said.

He expressed concern that the situation, which began as a dispute over seating arrangements, had spiraled unnecessarily due to poor management by the Senate leadership.

“Initially, one had thought that the Senate, with experienced lawmakers in the leadership and membership, would apply more wisdom, tact, and restraint in handling the issues. But alas, the reverse is the case!” he lamented. “Fact is, the Senate seems to be progressing in error on a needless matter that should not degenerate into a full-blown crisis as has been witnessed if the leadership had exhibited genuinity, sincerity, transparency, fairness, and true comradeship ab initio.”

Teejay listed a series of missteps by the Senate that escalated the conflict, including an alleged directive by Akpabio to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan while discussions were still ongoing.

“Somehow, as events unfold, it appears there is more to the matter. First, Akpabio, not realizing the microphone was on, allegedly gave a directive for the suspension of Natasha. Two, it took public outcry before attending to the Petition by Natasha’s constituents. Three, the swiftness and hurried nature in which the Senate’s Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petition completed its assignment and submitted the report gave serious concerns,” he explained.

He further noted that the severity of the committee’s recommendations and reports of alleged manipulation of its attendance list had only deepened suspicions about the motives behind the actions taken.

“Parliament, all over the world, is naturally a place of contestation. That Akpoti-Uduaghan complained about the seating arrangement is not out of the ordinary. Such would have been resolved peacefully and amicably, without recourse to brickbats and emotional outbursts by all parties,” he added.

Teejay drew parallels with past legislative disagreements that were handled amicably, citing cases involving Akpabio, former Senate Presidents Bukola Saraki and David Mark, and former Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila.

“In all of these situations, despite fierce protestations and arguments, they were resolved amicably; it did not lead to the suspension of any member or senator. That is the beauty and significance of the Legislature,” he stated.

Calling for a more accommodating approach from the Senate leadership, he emphasized the importance of allowing all members, especially new senators, to freely contribute to national debates.

“Undoubtedly, with the voices of Akpoti-Uduaghan and similar others making valuable contributions to national issues, at this time will bring positives to the Senate,” he said. “The Senate can leverage the popularity of Akpoti-Uduaghan to generate positive public perception about the Legislature, and deepen Nigeria’s democracy.”

Teejay commended Akpoti-Uduaghan for her resilience amid the controversy. “While I congratulate Akpoti-Uduaghan for being dogged, steadfast, and refusing to be cowed in the midst of harassment and intimidation, I wish to appeal that she should continue to stay committed towards impacting positively on the good people of Kogi Central Senatorial District.”

He also condemned the alleged involvement of the Kogi State Government in the crisis, particularly reported efforts to recall the senator.

“That the government is allegedly involved in the matter is very unfortunate,” he stated. “Reports that the government was behind the recall of Akpoti-Uduaghan is outrightly condemnable, preposterous, and cowardly.”

Teejay called on those behind the recall effort to desist, urging the Kogi State Government to adopt a neutral stance and work towards resolving the crisis.

“Elections are over. Though of different political parties, Akpoti-Uduaghan is representing the state at the National Assembly. The best Kogi State Government can do is to seek ways towards resolving the crisis, and not taking sides,” he advised.

Concluding, the former lawmaker appealed to patriotic Nigerians to intervene in the feud, warning that the Senate’s image has already suffered significant damage.

“Finally, as an advocate of peace, unity, and development, I believe that the needless crisis between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan can still be resolved. Fact is, the image of the Senate has been bruised and battered. Something immediate and timely needs to be done. Going forward, I call on credible and patriotic Nigerians, in or out of government to step up and intervene on the lingering feud in the overall interest of the country,” Teejay said.

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