Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Thursday cautioned Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central, reminding her that the Senate chamber is not a nightclub and that she must be recognized before speaking during plenary.
The Senate was debating the National Road Transport Council (Establishment) Bill, 2024, sponsored by Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Oyelola Ashiru (APC, Kwara South).
The bill is seeking to regulate the road transport industry and profession in Nigeria.
While many senators supported the bill, others, including Senators Victor Umeh and Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North), opposed it, arguing that it would duplicate the functions of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Vehicles Inspection Office (VIO).
They also noted the government’s efforts to merge agencies with similar functions as part of the Oronsanye report.
During the voice vote to determine the bill’s acceptance, Senator Natasha, who had earlier suggested considering water transportation to relieve road burdens, stood up again without Akpabio’s permission.
She said, “Mr President, we don’t want the bill to be killed, we just want a bit of clarification. We don’t want the bill killed, but it should be slightly modified.”
“Distinguished Senator Natasha, in the chamber, you have to be recognised before you speak. We are not in a night club,” Daily Trust quoted Akpabio to have said while responding to Natasha’s comment.
Senator Natasha replied, “Oh, pardon me.”
