Drama In Senate As Natasha Confronts Akpabio
A heated confrontation erupted in the Senate on Thursday as Senate President Godswill Akpabio ordered the removal of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, from the chamber over a seat reassignment dispute.
Trouble began when Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno reported that Natasha had refused to relocate to a newly assigned seat, following the defection of two opposition senators to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Citing Senate Orders 24 and 6, Monguno emphasised the Chief Whip’s authority and the Senate President’s power to reassign seats.
He also noted that senators could only speak from their designated seats, reinforcing Akpabio’s right to deny recognition to Natasha.
In defiance, Natasha attempted to invoke Order 10, arguing that her privileges had been violated.
Akpabio, however, ruled her out of order, insisting she could not speak from an unauthorised seat.
Frustrated, Natasha accused Akpabio of suppressing her voice and blocking her legislative efforts, including preventing her bills from advancing to the second reading.
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“I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege,” she shouted at the Senate President.
She further accused Akpabio of discrimination, defamation, and using language that demeaned women. In response, her Kogi colleagues, led by Senator Isa Jibrin, condemned her actions and apologised on her behalf, describing her reaction as uncalled for.
As tensions escalated, Akpabio considered suspending her, but several senators intervened to de-escalate the situation. When the Sergeant-at-Arms moved to enforce Akpabio’s directive, Natasha’s fellow senators, including Senator Austin Akobundu, blocked her forceful removal.
Other lawmakers also pleaded for calm.
After a prolonged standoff, Natasha ceased her protest, allowing the Senate’s plenary proceedings to continue.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
