The decision by the Senate to summon Ahmad Isah, CEO of Brekete Family Radio, has drawn criticism from former Senator Shehu Sani, who called it “unnecessary and demeaning.” This reaction seems to be rooted in the belief that the Senate’s move is more about silencing a public figure who has aired grievances related to internal Senate disputes than about addressing a legitimate issue.
The controversy surrounding the seating arrangement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, which led to her clash with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has clearly brought tensions within the Senate to the surface. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s protest over being moved from her seat without prior notice was met with a series of confrontational responses, including the muting of her microphone and her subsequent removal from the chamber by security personnel. Her decision to air her grievances on Brekete Family Radio, hosted by Ahmad Isah, further highlighted her frustration and the ongoing conflict.
The Senate’s summons could be interpreted as an attempt to curb the influence of independent media voices like Brekete Family Radio, especially when they challenge the institution’s internal matters. The public nature of the summons also points to the ongoing tension between elected officials and the media, especially when sensitive issues are aired publicly.
Given this backdrop, do you think the Senate’s decision could backfire and fuel more public outcry, or do you believe it could be seen as a necessary step to uphold decorum in the legislative process?
