A heated exchange between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) sparked a dramatic and rowdy session in the Senate.
The dispute centred around the unauthorized relocation of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat, which she vigorously protested.
Trouble began when Akpoti-Uduaghan discovered her nameplate missing from her usual seat. She demanded an explanation, and the situation escalated into a heated back-and-forth with Akpabio.
Disruption In The Hallowed Chamber
As the situation spiralled out of control, Akpabio ordered the Sergeant-at-Arms to escort Akpoti-Uduaghan out of the chamber, warning of possible suspension. “Can the Sergeant-at-Arms please take her out of the Senate?” Akpabio ordered.
Akpoti-Uduaghan resisted, and her microphone was switched off as security personnel attempted to remove her. “I will not leave!” she exclaimed.
“I am not afraid of you.” Kogi central Seantor, Natasha tells Godswill Akpabio after ordering her out of the Senate Chamber pic.twitter.com/bH7Xy4ZXRf
— Peter Obi Grassroots Mobilization. (@PO_GrassRootM) February 20, 2025
Some senators intervened, urging calm and attempting to de-escalate tensions. Senator Isah Jibrin (APC, Kogi East) apologized on behalf of Akpoti-Uduaghan, attributing the seat change to recent resignations and reassignments.
Senator Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West) defended the seat reallocation process, criticizing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reaction as unnecessary. “When she came in, we extended an arm of friendship to her, we loved her too much. I don’t know why she turned the place upside down,” Karimi said, urging her to apologize.
Restoration of Calm
In the end, Akpabio intervened, offering Akpoti-Uduaghan a soft landing. “Senator Karimi, I can see that you are very hurt. I just want to appeal to you to temper justice with mercy,” he said.
The Senate president reiterated that seat reallocation is routine and governed by the Senate’s Standing Orders. “I want the public to understand that our proceedings are governed by rules and the Constitution,” he concluded.
He also recalled a similar incident during his time in the 8th Senate, where he handled a seat reassignment without public confrontation. “In the 8th Senate, my seat was changed without prior notice. I voiced my displeasure, but the matter was resolved internally,” he said.
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