Dickson also said senators are expected to agree and disagree, stressing the need to tolerate and respect each other.
By Kehinde Okeowo
A federal lawmaker representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Seriake Dickson, has urged Senate leaders to recall his colleague from Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, back to the Red Chamber.
He made the call recently while addressing newsmen in Abuja.
Natasha was suspended on March 6 after a heated argument with Senate leadership over a new seating arrangement, which she claimed was intentionally designed to undermine her.
The issue later degenerated when she appeared on national television and accused Senate President, Godswill Akpabio of suspending her after she allegedly rejected his sexual advances.
Meanwhile, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on July 4, ordered the Senate to reinstate Natasha.
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Speaking on the suspension of the Kogi lawmaker, Senator Dickson said he never supported the move.
The former governor added that he sympathizes with her colleague and hopes she will resume her duties as soon as possible.
He also asserted that legislators are expected to agree and disagree in national interest, stressing the need
to tolerate and respect each other.
Dickson said, “I sympathize with Natasha. I have never been in support of any legislative activities that suspend members for long periods of time.
“The Senate leadership and my colleagues know my position on it is anchored on the law and the constitution and my personal conviction. Senators are here to agree and disagree in the national interest.
“So, we have to tolerate and respect one another even when you have differences of opinion. I was not there when it was announced, but that’s not my concern.
“My concern is that the sooner she resumes her seat to perform and continue to perform her constitutional responsibilities. That’s my interest and I have been told that the court has decided on it.”
