Ahmad Lawan, lawmaker representing Yobe north, has clarified his comments regarding the dispute between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Kogi central senator.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances towards her, following a disagreement over the seating arrangement in the senate chambers.

The Kogi senator was later suspended for six months for allegedly breaching the senate’s standing orders, with her security detail withdrawn.

During a plenary session on March 6, Lawan said the senate lacked the authority to order the withdrawal of her security, emphasising that she remained a member of the national assembly despite the suspension.

However, Akpabio disagreed, arguing that a suspended senator could not continue to enjoy legislative privileges.

In a statement on Tuesday, Ezrel Tabiowo, media adviser to Lawan, said the senator’s remarks were procedural and intended to uphold the integrity of the national assembly.

“His remarks were strictly procedural and aimed at upholding the integrity and independence of the National Assembly,” the statement reads.

“At no point did Senator Lawan defend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan or take sides in the allegations against the Senate President.

“His intervention was purely a matter of principle, reflecting his commitment to due process and the rule of law.

“Senator Ahmad Lawan remains a statesman who prioritizes the stability and dignity of the National Assembly.”