Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s unruly conduct in the Senate—marked by a seating dispute and defiance of protocol—draws fierce condemnation from the South-South Women Congress and Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu. The call for an apology to Senate President Godswill Akpabio intensifies the controversy.
The South-South Women Congress has sharply condemned Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for what they describe as “unruly and disrespectful behavior” during a plenary session in Abuja on Thursday. The senator’s blatant disregard for the established seating arrangements at the Red Chambers, coupled with her failure to adhere to Senate rules, has raised serious concerns about the erosion of decorum in the legislative house.
Condemnation by the South-South Women Congress
In a statement released from Warri on Friday by group leader Mrs. Roli Akpomedaye, the Congress decried the senator’s actions:
“We are not comfortable with the rude and unethical behavior of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against our revered Senate President.”
Mrs. Akpomedaye emphasized that the senator, having served for over a year, should be well-versed in Senate rules. The Congress demanded that she apologize to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Senate, and the South-South community. They warned that failure to do so would lead to sanctions, including suspension until she issues a formal apology.
Seating Dispute Sparks Further Controversy
Adding another dimension to the crisis, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu has criticized the Kogi Central senator over a heated dispute concerning her seating arrangement. Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central under the Peoples Democratic Party, refused to occupy her assigned seat—citing Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules, which protects members’ privileges. The issue emerged following a reshuffle prompted by opposition members switching to the majority wing.
In a defiant statement during the session, she declared:
“I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio had to call on security to remove her from the chamber, though intervention by fellow lawmakers helped prevent further escalation.
“National Assembly is not for Content Creation” – Senate Leadership Weighs In
Speaking on the matter in an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Yemi Adaramodu remarked, “What we are saying is that the National Assembly is not for content creation in entertainment. National Assembly is for serious business.” Adaramodu also pointed out that, despite her claims of being sidelined, Akpoti-Uduaghan had already been appointed as chairperson of three committees, including Foreign Affairs and NGOs. He further mentioned that her Kogi colleague, Senator Isah Jubril, had tendered an apology on her behalf—which the Senate had accepted—highlighting that the senator’s behavior is both disrespectful and a breach of Senate privileges.
Impact on Senate Decorum and Nigerian Women’s Leadership
The incident not only underscores the challenges of maintaining order in the Senate but also raises important questions about the standards of conduct expected from lawmakers. The South-South Women Congress, while commending Senate President Akpabio for his leadership and empowerment of women, insists that no senator should consider themselves above the law.
As the Senate reviews the incident, Nigerians awaits further disciplinary actions that will be taken. The demand for a formal apology and the potential imposition of sanctions serve as a stern reminder that the Senate expects strict adherence to its rules and decorum.
Stay tuned to Symfoni News for ongoing updates on this developing story as political stakeholders and the public await the next chapter in the saga of accountability and legislative integrity.
Focus Keywords: , , Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senate rules, seating dispute, Senate sanctions, Yemi Adaramodu.
