Natasha Akpoti Defies Senate Protocol Before Suspension, Refuses to Stand for Akpabio
Before her suspension on Thursday, Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan stirred controversy in the Senate by refusing to stand up when Senate President Godswill Akpabio entered the chamber.
The Chief Whip of the Senate, Mohammed Monguno, raised a point of order under Senate Rule 55(1), reminding lawmakers that it is a standing tradition for all senators to rise when the Senate President is ushered in by the Sergeant-at-Arms.
Monguno expressed disappointment that Natasha defied this rule on both Wednesday and Thursday, urging her to respect the institution’s traditions.
“The Senate has its Rules and Orders, which must be upheld regardless of personal differences. It is mandatory for senators to stand when the Senate President enters, and this must be respected,” Monguno stated.
Senate President Akpabio upheld the order, emphasizing that all senators must adhere to the chamber’s regulations.
Shortly after this incident, Natasha was suspended for six months without pay, following allegations she made against Akpabio. The suspension has since sparked widespread debate, with many questioning whether it was politically motivated.