There was mild drama on the Senate floor on Tuesday following the controversial designation of Nigeria as a country of particular concern (CPC) by the United States for alleged genocide against Christians.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio mentioned the issue in passing at the end of the plenary session.
Akpabio, who said Nigerians were eager to hear the Senate’s position on President Donald Trump’s designation of their country as a country of particular concern, however said the Red Chamber would not take a position until it has been properly informed.
He said: “Nigerians want us to take a stand. But we will not do so until we know what the government is doing about it.”
He also claimed that social media users have been dragging him to make comments, but said: “Who am I to respond to Trump?”
“This issue has not been discussed here in the chambers, but I know we will discuss it.”
The Senate president subsequently put the issue to an oral vote and asked senators whether the matter should be scheduled for future debate.
The majority of legislators responded in favor, after which they declared that “the ‘yes’ have them.”
The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, however, stood up expressing strong reservations about Akpabio’s stance and stressed that the Senate should not be carried away by the comments.
The Deputy Senate declared that Nigeria is a sovereign state and Senator Akpabio should not keep his mouth shut on the issue.
“We are not afraid. Do not be afraid. I am Nigerian. I am a parliamentarian. Nigeria is a sovereign nation.”
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