“Contain Her, Don’t Elevate Her!” — Garba Warns Senate Over Natasha Showdown

Adamu Garba, a former presidential aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has criticized the Nigerian Senate for what he termed as the “unnecessary dramatization” surrounding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s ongoing legal and political standoff with the legislative body.

According to iReporter Online, Garba shared his opinion via his verified account, expressing disapproval over the way the Senate has handled the controversy involving the embattled Kogi Central lawmaker. He argued that instead of escalating the issue publicly, the Senate leadership should have tactfully contained it within the chamber, away from public spectacle.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was previously suspended from the Senate for six months following her public accusation of sexual harassment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. The suspension prompted a legal challenge, and Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled in her favor, declaring the Senate’s action invalid and ordering her reinstatement.

Despite the court’s decision, the Senate maintained that the ruling was merely advisory and not binding. Senate President Akpabio proceeded to appeal the decision. On her part, Akpoti-Uduaghan attempted to resume her legislative duties on Tuesday but was barred from entering the National Assembly premises by security personnel, who cited standing instructions.

According to iReporter Online, Garba reacted to the incident, urging the Senate to avoid turning the matter into a populist display that fuels public sympathy. He warned that allowing such public confrontations only strengthens Akpoti-Uduaghan’s appeal outside the chamber.

“The Senate leadership needs to stop the unnecessary dramatization of this Natasha saga,” Garba posted. “The hallowed chamber should not become a stage for populist activism. Managing the issue internally would have been more dignified than enabling this street-level spectacle.”

According to iReporter Online, Garba’s remarks have further fueled the debate on the Senate’s defiance of judicial orders and the broader implications for legislative conduct and democratic accountability.