A wave of reactions has followed the heated exchange in the Senate between President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and Senator Adams Oshiomhole over a disputed abortion clause in the Criminal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
Many Nigerians took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their thoughts, with opinions sharply divided on whether Akpabio handled the session fairly and if Natasha’s persistence was justified.
@godwinCharisma wrote, “I love that Sen. Akpabio didn’t rule her out of order initially. If not, it would have been another fist on him by lots of internet users who do not understand the rule of the Senate. Thank God Sen. Oshiomhole objected to it.”
@famesh2002 added, “Emotions galore as always. Obeying of rules is alien to most Nigerians. The same Nigerians would say Nigeria is a joke.”
For @AdeoluwaEO, the issue went beyond parliamentary procedure. “While I’m an advocate for rules being obeyed strictly, this raises questions around women representation in positions of power in Nigeria. Women should be given a voice!” he said.
Others, however, faulted the handling of the matter, accusing the Senate leadership of bias. @Badman_Ogey argued, “Oshiomhole is correct, the real issue is that women and PDP senators are minorities… She’s being silenced because of that, not because she’s wrong.”
Critics also questioned the silence of other female lawmakers. @AdeyemiGCFR posted, “What of the other three women in this chamber? They just dey warm seats? Shame on them, for those issues are bothering women.”
In a similar tone, @Ikman5 remarked, “Are the other female senators in that chamber bench warmers? Especially those from Lagos and Rivers. Very docile and inconsequential female senators.”
Some commentators accused Akpabio of being too harsh. @Just_Nyki said, “This man is totally unprofessional! Who’s he accountable to anyway? You can’t treat people like this because you have a president title.”
But others defended the Senate President’s decision. @ebhos_gideonP wrote, “Oshiomhole is right. Since Akpabio already said the matter is stepped down, there’s no need to ask Natasha to speak. The blame is on Akpabio for giving her the floor.”
A few observers expressed concern over general conduct in the chamber. @afolagbenga noted, “Every senator and honourable member has aides to help them understand procedures, but they prefer hiring family members or thugs, then go to the chamber to embarrass themselves.”
For @maximo_kingade, Senator Natasha still needs to understand legislative procedures better. “Sen. Natasha needs to understand the processes of the Senate, else she won’t achieve much there,” he commented.
Meanwhile, some users lamented what they described as a broader failure of leadership. @AGUATABOY wrote, “So in the Senate it’s about personal interest, not the people? When you have a beef with someone, the people they represent will suffer it. Foolish senators.”
The clash, which occurred during debate on a clause dealing with abortion in the amendment bill, has reignited conversations on gender inclusion, Senate ethics, and the broader credibility of Nigeria’s legislative process.