A mild drama ensued in the Senate on Tuesday after Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was ruled out of order when she attempted to speak on the issue of abortion.

For more than one hour, lawmakers deliberated extensively on the Criminal Code Act Amendment Bill 2025; seeking to provide stiffer punishments on crime offenders in Nigeria.

The bill was one of the 4 bills listed on the order paper for concurrence from the House of Representatives.

The Senate in a clause by clause consideration of the bill quickly dealt with the first 3 clauses, slamming a hefty life sentence on defilement.

The upper legislative chamber however hit a brick wall on the issue of abortion as it became difficult to define when abortion would be considered merciful or cruel.

Unable to resolve the matter and relying on the motion of the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate reached a resolution to step it down to allow for more consultation on the matter.

Consistent with Senate rules, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio puts the question-those in support say “I”, those against say “Nay”.

Just as Akpabio hit the gavel (one of the symbols of finality, authority and power in parliamentary practice}, the voice of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan could be heard calling for a point of order to contribute to the matter.

At this point, it looked a little too late for the Senate to accept further discussion on the matter with Akpabio hesitating a bit and even trying to allow Akpoti-Uduaghan a chance to speak. However, Senator Adam Oshiomhole, APC Edo North quickly countered on the grounds that the matter was already concluded and that it if Akpabio allowed her, it could set a bad precedent as the move violates Senate standing rule.

Akpabio’s hands seemed tied at this point and coming on order 52, he ruled Akpoti-Uduaghan who represents Kogi Central out of order. (AriseNews TV)