Abuja, Nigeria – A heated confrontation erupted in the Senate on Thursday as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed with the leadership over a reassigned seating arrangement.
The dispute arose after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat was relocated following a reshuffle triggered by opposition lawmakers moving to the majority wing. However, the Kogi lawmaker refused to vacate her original position.
Senate Leadership Cites Rules
Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, defended the change, stating that seat adjustments fell under the Senate President’s authority, in line with legislative rules. He warned that non-compliance could lead to disciplinary measures, including exclusion from Senate debates.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio upheld Monguno’s directive, denying Akpoti-Uduaghan the floor when she attempted to speak from her original seat.
Fiery Protest in the Chamber
In defiance, Akpoti-Uduaghan raised her voice, accusing the leadership of silencing her.
“I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege,” she declared.
The standoff escalated as the Senate President ordered the sergeant-at-arms to remove her from the chamber. However, interventions from fellow lawmakers helped de-escalate the situation, though Akpoti-Uduaghan remained resolute in her refusal to move.
The incident underscores rising tensions within the Senate as political realignments continue to shape legislative proceedings.
