Senate President Godswill Akpabio criticizes uninformed public commentary on Senate matters, comparing it to the Messi-Ronaldo debates. He urges Nigerians to avoid commenting on legislative affairs without proper knowledge. His remarks follow the controversy surrounding Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, highlighting the Senate’s internal disciplinary processes.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has spoken out against uninformed commentary surrounding the activities of the Nigerian Senate, comparing the discussions to the heated debates football fans have over Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Akpabio made these remarks on Friday in Abuja while receiving a delegation of youth leaders from the Niger Delta region.
His criticism followed the controversy surrounding the suspension of Kogi Central lawmaker, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a matter that has been widely discussed on television and social media. Akpabio expressed concern over people commenting on Senate matters without a proper understanding of the facts or internal procedures.
“If you have not studied the Bible, you cannot claim to know it better than the Pope. Likewise, if you are not an Imam, you should not attempt to quote the Quran,” Akpabio remarked, emphasizing that uninformed commentary on serious issues like Senate decisions is misplaced. He likened the discussions to football commentators, who often offer opinions on players’ decisions without truly understanding the game.
The Senate President urged the public to refrain from commenting on legislative issues they do not fully comprehend, stressing that the Senate follows a clear set of rules for handling disciplinary matters. He assured that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension had been addressed according to the chamber’s guidelines.
Jonathan Lokpobiri, president of the Ijaw Youth Council, who led the delegation, acknowledged concerns about recent developments but reassured Akpabio of the Niger Delta’s support for the Senate. Akpabio’s comments reflect his frustration with the growing trend of public misinterpretation of legislative matters and the influence of unqualified opinions in national discourse.
