Adams Aliyu OshiomholeAmidst the frenzy noises, mainly in social and conventional media, and in the political arena on what has been thrown up as an impasse between the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Udusghan on one hand, and between Natasha and the Senate as an institution on the other hand, has emerged what I would like to call “voice of wisdom.”
Since the crisis of authority or lack of it arose from the point of seat reallocations, up to the point at which Senator Natasha was sent on suspension with mouthwatering conditions, the media and political environment have been assailed with gargantuan muscle flexing from different angles: dividing the discourse for and against, depending on which divides the feuding media warriors found themselves.
However, Senator, Oshiomhole, in a video clip that is currently trending, called for peace, insisting that there should be no division in the Senate as a an institution.
In calming down the nerves that have been unnecessarily battered by what I consider to be egocentric, Senator Oshiomhole assured Natasha that a lot of the senators are her true friends, despite the little misunderstanding that has been blown to mountain. He even reminded Natasha that Akpabio had once tagged her as Princess of the 10th Senate, praying that after all the dust that has been raised, she would continue to be the real Princess of the senate.
Reminding the Senate President that the quality of a leader is tested when he’s under severe provocation and how he navigates challenges, he argued that being sorry for the wrong one is believed to have done should be regarded as a sign of strength rather weakness.
Oshiomhole made himself as an example when he apologized to the Senate as he trod the same path by going to complain on television about the grievance he had over accusation of embezzling money, and a few senators felt bad about it.
He also made example of himself when his seat was changed without prior information, but that he accepted the change “because I know that you can only change my seat but you cannot change me or my opinions.”
For the sake of argument to put things in proper perspective, one of the objective legislative analysts was empathic that Natasha’s suspension is strictly about the rules, and had nothing to do with allegation of sexual Harassment. He said that she broke Rule 6:1, 6:2, 6:9, 55:1, 62, 63, 44, 47.
The analyst stressed that Natasha began a fight without due consultation and proper guidance, saying that she cannot be seeking refuge in one side of the law (order 10) while disregarding a whole lot of other parts of the same laws.
If the issue of sexual harassment is presented, as it’s being done, as the groundswell for protest on the action of relocating her from her seat, what would others who were similarly moved at the same time present to justify protest against the same relocation?
As a matter of fact, after the article I published on Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper when the issue of change of seat first raised the dust, these peacemaking words by Senator Oshiomhole obviously made a great deal of impact on the way out of the logjam.
Any other words coming, especially outside the hallow chamber of the respected Senate should be seen as stoking more fire. Such words are mainly emanating from those who are being driven by pure sentiments, emotions and those who are promoting their social media contents simply to make money. Ditto the lawyers.
As we all know of course that Senator Akpabio would not resign on the basis of the allegation (not confirmation) that are flying all over the place, just as Natasha would not be recalled by people she’s representing, and therefore, it is good if the two internalise this matter, resolve it to enable them have the unity of purpose of attaining the primary purpose of legislation, which is for the betterment of their Senatorial Districts and Nigeria at large. One imagines what kind of relationship that would prevail between the two feuding personalities when the dust is settled and they both go to work in the same chamber, without having resolved the impasse.
I want to recall my point in the last write up by saying that it is a misnomer for one lawmaker to regard fellow lawmaker as “enemies” much more, the Senate President. In an ideal legislative setting, there can be no enemies or adversaries, but simply “opposition” or “horsetrading’ from where lobby, consultations, personal interactios are the natural resort.
It is important to stress the point that the ideal legislative interactions between senators and senate leadership in Nigeria should be characterized by respect and transparency.
Senators and senate leadership should work together to introduce, debate, and pass legislation that benefits the country. This involves active listening, open communication and a willingness to compromise.
Senators should maintain a respectful tone when engaging with each other and with senate leadership, even when disagreeing. This fosters a positive and productive legislative environment.
Senate leadership should, on the other hand, ensure that decision-making processes are transparent, with clear explanations for decisions and actions. This helps build trust among senators and the public.
Senators should participate in debates, ask informed questions, and provide thoughtful contributions to shape legislation and they should seek clarification from senate leadership on legislative procedures, rules, and decisions.
All these things point to the fact that even as human beings, we are learning everyday, either from others or from our mistakes. What differentiates the wise from the foolish ones amongst us, human, is the use to which we put such learning and even, the refusal or failure to turn such learning process into something else just to elicit unnecessary furore and sympathy. The learning and accommodation of the tumbles and tribulations is pronounced more in political turfs. Natasha and Akpabio are therefore, in this learning context not enemies per se. The earlier they realise that fact and face the legislative realities the better for them, their individual constituencies and the country.
Yusuf Ozi-Usman nipr, is Editor-in-chief of Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper
