A dramatic Senate standoff erupts as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan defies a seating reassignment, prompting Kogi senators to apologize and call for unity. Read on for the latest on this high-stakes dispute and its impact on Nigerian legislative protocols.”
In a dramatic confrontation on Thursday, Senate proceedings turned chaotic as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed with leadership over a controversial seating reassignment.
The dispute erupted when a recent reshuffle—prompted by opposition members moving to the majority wing—resulted in the reassignment of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat. Refusing to budge, the Kogi lawmaker remained steadfast, challenging the Senate’s decision.
Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno defended the seating adjustments by citing Senate rules, emphasizing that such changes fall within the Senate President’s authority. He warned that non-compliance could trigger penalties, including exclusion from future debates. Earlier reports detailed how Senate President Godswill Akpabio denied the senator the floor when she attempted to speak from her former seat, prompting her to declare, “I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege.”
In a significant update, senators representing Kogi State have since apologized for the uproar. Senator Isah Jubril (APC, Kogi East) acknowledged that the Senate had acted within its authority, describing the reaction as unnecessary. Speaking on behalf of the Kogi caucus, he assured his colleagues that such incidents would not recur and urged Senate President Akpabio not to impose disciplinary measures.
Senator Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West) further reinforced the Senate’s authority by citing Order 14 of the Senate Standing Rules, which vests the President with the power to reassign seats without prior notice. As Chairman of the Senate Services Committee, Karimi explained that he had advised affected senators to remain patient—only to be shouted at by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. He decried her behavior as a breach of legislative decorum and called on her to apologize for her conduct on the Senate floor.
Senate President Akpabio, in his remarks, called on all senators to focus on their legislative duties, describing the incident as a “total aberration” and urging lawmakers to abide by established rules. He pleaded for forgiveness and appealed that justice be tempered with mercy, emphasizing that the Senate’s primary responsibility is to deliver the dividends of democracy.
Related: https://symfoninews.com/senate-president-akpabio-slams-brekete-family-radi/
