The Nigerian Senate witnessed a moment of tension and political theatre on Wednesday when Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele intervened to defend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) during debate on the motion addressing the inhumane treatment of Nigerians in Libya.
The motion, sponsored by Senator Nick Ebokpo (Akwa Ibom North-East) and supported by Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) and others, sought urgent government action to curb the continued migration of Nigerians to Libya and to protect those already trapped in the North African country’s prisons and detention camps.
In his contribution, former Edo State governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, lamented the persistent flow of Nigerians to Libya despite repeated warnings and rescue efforts by the government. “After the collapse of Gaddafi, Libya is no longer what it used to be. Nigerians should be told that this country, in spite of its challenges, is far ahead of some of those they are trafficked to,” Oshiomhole said.
He urged the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to intensify public education on the dangers of traveling to war-torn countries, warning that some of the illegal arms fueling insecurity in Nigeria today trace their origins to post-Gaddafi Libya.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) supported the motion, calling on the African Union (AU) to hold member nations accountable for the mistreatment of fellow Africans. “There’s no reason why an African should be treated as subhuman in another African country. The AU must not look away while these abuses continue,” he said.
Other lawmakers, including Senators Ned Nwoko and Shuaibu Isa Lau, also backed the motion, emphasizing the need to protect Nigerians abroad and curb human trafficking through illegal migration.
The session, however, took a dramatic turn when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, visibly emotional, moved an additional motion urging the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigerian Prisons Service to liaise with Libyan authorities to repatriate Nigerian women who gave birth while in Libyan prisons.
According to her, many of these women were victims of sex trafficking, now detained in dire conditions and forced into sexual exploitation by prison officials. “These women were trafficked to Libya and found themselves in prisons where they are being used to satisfy the urges of warders. Some have borne children in captivity. These women and their children must be brought home,” Natasha pleaded.
Her heartfelt submission momentarily silenced the chamber. When the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, called for a seconder to the motion, none of the senators initially rose to support her.
It was at that tense moment that Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele rose to second Natasha’s motion, preventing it from being dropped and effectively rescuing it from potential neglect. His intervention drew applause across the chamber and was seen by many observers as an act of principle — a gesture of solidarity amid political divisions.
“The additional prayer seeks to direct our immigration and prison services to liaise with Libyan authorities for the repatriation of Nigerian female prisoners and their children. I so second,” Bamidele said firmly.
His defense of Senator Natasha — who has previously faced controversy and disciplinary suspension from the Senate — stood out as a moment of reconciliation and respect for humanitarian advocacy over political rivalry.
Following Bamidele’s intervention, Senate President Akpabio, though insisting on procedural clarity, allowed the motion to be restated for proper documentation. After a brief exchange over the wording, the motion was unanimously adopted by voice vote.
Akpabio commended the lawmakers for their contributions and called on Nigerians to remain patriotic. “Home is home, and home is best. Many of the places our youths are running to are worse off. We must continue to educate our people,” he said.
The Senate also mandated the Committee on Legislative Compliance, chaired by Senator Garba Maidoki, to ensure that all adopted resolutions, including the NOA sensitization campaign and the repatriation of female prisoners are fully implemented.
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