The Nigerian Senate has allegedly summoned Ahmad Isa, the very popular host of Brekete Family, to appear before it on February 27, 2025.

Brekete Family is regarded as a show that provide platform for citizens to seek redress on issues ranging from governance to social welfare and seen as a voice for the marginalized.

The summons is reportedly linked to a recent broadcast of the radio show, in which Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uguaghan accuses Senate leadership of denying her, her privileges.

The lawmaker representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly had claimed on Friday during an interview on the Human Rights radio and television program in Abuja that a lot of her privileges as a Senator have been denied.

Recall that there was a rowdy section at the Senate during Thursday’s plenary session after the lawmaker refused to use a seat allocated to her.

She challenged the decision, sparking a heated exchange in the chamber with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

During the interview she claimed she has been pulled out of many international activities by the Senate leadership, emphasizing that she should be allowed to work.

In her words: “My attention was drawn that you were actually speaking about the issue on your programme today, so thank you so much for your concern.

“I have been going through a lot, and I have remained quiet because I didn’t want to be interpreted wrongly. I didn’t want any lawsuit against me.

“I just wanted to be given the chance to work. A lot of my privileges have been denied. I have been pulled out of many international activities that I have been part of since that whole nightclub incident that happened last year.

“In fact, there was even a United Nations event that I was supposed to attend, which I was nominated for, but my name was struck out that they would not promote me in any event internationally.

“So every event that I have been going to since last year has been self-sponsored. I have been going through a lot. Yesterday, I didn’t speak out of order. He was reading my suspension, and I had to invoke Order 10, which is an order of privilege.”

However, the Senate’s directive has sparked outrage on the social media, particularly over its warning that Isa could be deemed a criminal if he fails to comply.

Condemning the summon is Member of the Senate of Nigeria, Shehu Sani: “Inviting Ahmed Isah, the CEO of Berekete Radio to the Senate is unnecessary and demeaning.”

It’s being argued further that stance may be an attempt to stifle press freedom and curtail the activities of Brekete Family

@TrulyDearest_: “The present government goal is not to deliver good governance but shut every mouth that questions their heinous activities.”

@madu_uwa: “When has the Senate become the regulatory body for broadcasting stations in Nigeria? What offense has Ahmad Isah committed against the Senate or the people of Nigeria? Some people just assume they can abuse the powers bestowed on them.”

@justincollins_1: “The Nigerian Senate’s summons to Ahmad Isa, host of Brekete Family, raises concerns about freedom of expression and media independence. Brekete Family is known for advocating for human rights and holding authorities accountable, which might be seen as challenging the current government’s actions. The Senate’s warning suggests a potential crackdown on dissenting voices, highlighting the tension between governance and accountability in Nigeria. However, the action taken by the Senate President is totally wrong and should be approached with caution. It’s crucial for leaders to respect the role of media and advocacy platforms in promoting transparency and accountability.”