The Senate on Tuesday stepped down a bill proposing a five-year jail term for anyone who supplies drugs or instruments used to procure abortion, following confusion over the bill’s language and intent.
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This was disclosed in a clip by NASS TV, from the Tuesday session.
The decision came after the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, moved that the proposed legislation be referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further examination and report within two weeks.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North) seconded the motion, describing the bill, titled Supplying Drugs or Instruments to Procure Abortion, as “unclear and potentially misleading.”
He warned that the current phrasing could criminalise legitimate medical prescriptions if not properly defined.
“In view of the confusion generated by the title and the interpretation that anyone taking or supplying any drug at all could face five years imprisonment, it is only fair that this bill be stepped down for clearer legal interpretation,” Kalu said.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the session, upheld the motion and ruled that the bill be suspended for further legal scrutiny.
“The Deputy Senate President has proposed a motion that we step down further consideration of this bill and refer it to our Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters to get back to us in two weeks.
“Distinguished Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, a strong leader and member of this Assembly, has seconded it,” Akpabio said before calling a voice vote.
Following the “ayes” in support, the motion was adopted.
However, shortly after the decision, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) sought permission to speak, arguing that the subject directly affected women and required a more sensitive discussion.
“Mr President, please may I speak? I am a woman, and abortion has to do with women,” she said.
Her request was, however, opposed by Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), who cautioned that reopening debate after a resolution would violate parliamentary procedure.
“Once the gavel has been dropped, the rule is clear, no further discussion. If we start granting exceptions, then we will have no rules,” Oshiomhole said.
Akpabio sustained the objection, citing Rule 52(6) of the Senate Standing Orders, which bars reconsideration of any matter already concluded unless through a formal motion for rescission.
He ruled Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan out of order and reaffirmed that the bill had been stepped down “in totality” pending the committee’s findings.
The bill, which has sparked debates among lawmakers and the public, will now undergo further consultations and legal review before any fresh consideration by the Senate.
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