Chaos has been reported at the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday following a dispute over seating arrangements.
The development led to a heated confrontation between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) and the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
Trouble started began when Senator Natasha’s seat was relocated upon the resumption of the session, presided over by Akpabio.
However, the lawmaker refused to comply with the change, leading to a tense moment on the floor of the Senate.
The Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno then informed the Senate President that senator Natasha had refused to relocate to a new seat assigned to her.
Chief whip added that the reassignment was intended to close gaps left by two defecting opposition senators who joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from minority party
Citing Order 24, Monguno highlighted his authority as Chief Whip and referenced Order 6, which grants the Senate President the power to reassign senators’ seats at any time.
He further noted that senators can only speak from their designated seats, reinforcing Akpabio’s authority to deny recognition to anyone speaking from an unassigned seat.
In defiance, Natasha stood from her original seat, attempting to invoke Order 10, arguing that her privileges had been violated.
However, Akpabio ruled her out of order, asserting that she could not be recognized while speaking from an unauthorized seat.
Visibly frustrated, Natasha accused Akpabio of deliberately silencing her voice and denying her the opportunity to contribute to motions.
She claimed her bills had been repeatedly blocked from reaching the second reading.
Natasha declared that she will not be
shoved to the corner and That the worst Akpabio can do is suspend her
Natasha stressed that even if she is suspended she will continue serving her people in Kogi Central and the women of Nigeria
Natasha further alleged that Akpabio had discriminated against her, maligned, and dehumanized her.
She also accused him of using language that degraded women.
“I am not afraid of you,” she told Akpabio. “Do whatever you deem fit, but I will not leave this seat. My voice will not be silenced.”
As the tension escalated, Akpabio was heard calling for order and considering a suspension.
However, several senators intervened, urging Natasha to remain calm.
Despite Akpabio’s directive, when the Sergeant-at-Arms attempted to approach Natasha, fellow senators including her neighbour Senator Austin Akobundu stepped in to prevent her forceful removal.
Other lawmakers also pleaded with Akpabio to de-escalate the situation.
After a prolonged standoff, Natasha eventually ceased her protest, and plenary proceedings resumed to normal.
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