“Tensions Erupt in Senate Over Seat Reassignment; Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Clashes with Leadership”
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!A heated exchange broke out in the Nigerian Senate on Monday as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed with the leadership over a seating arrangement dispute. The controversy began when her seat was relocated upon the session’s resumption, a move she refused to accept.
Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno, citing Senate rules, explained that the reassignments were necessary to accommodate shifts within the opposition, now aligning with the majority wing. He insisted that the changes were within the Senate President’s constitutional rights.
Senator Monguno further warned that non-compliance with the new seating could result in penalties, including exclusion from Senate discussions. Despite this, Senate President Godswill Akpabio upheld the order, leading to tensions when Senator Natasha, raising her hand to speak, was denied recognition due to her failure to comply with the new seating.
Defiantly, Natasha protested, telling the Senate President, “I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege.” The standoff escalated with Akpabio ordering her removal, but after intervention from other lawmakers, calm was restored, although Natasha refused to relocate.
As the situation calmed, Senator Isah Jibrin condemned Natasha’s conduct, offering an apology on behalf of Kogi East. Senator Sunday Karimi also weighed in, reiterating the Senate President’s authority to rearrange seating as per Senate rules. He noted that Natasha’s behavior was inappropriate, referencing an earlier incident involving another senator’s seating issue.
In his response, Akpabio emphasized that seating adjustments are a normal part of legislative functions, assuring the public that the Senate operates with dignity and order. He urged senators to focus on their duties and responsibilities.
