A dramatic scene erupted at the Nigerian Senate on Thursday during plenary, as a heated exchange between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, momentarily disrupted proceedings.
The tension, stemmed from the sudden reassignment of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat, reportedly without prior notification.
The controversy began when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan walked into the chamber to discover that her seat had been changed.
Visibly displeased, she voiced her dissatisfaction, demanding an explanation while citing Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules, which addresses the privileges of members. Her insistence on addressing the matter immediately drew the attention of other lawmakers, sparking an intense debate.
Attempting to address the issue, Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Ali Monguno, raised a point of order, highlighting what he described as Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s refusal to occupy her newly designated seat. This intervention further heightened tensions. In response to her persistent protests, Senate President Akpabio ordered the Sergeant-at-Arms to escort her out of the chamber, warning that her actions could warrant suspension. However, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan stood her ground, boldly declaring, “I am not afraid of you.”
As the situation escalated, fellow senators from Kogi State stepped in to mediate. Senator Isah Jibrin (APC, Kogi East), invoking Order 42, apologized on behalf of his colleague and explained that the seat reallocation was due to recent changes in the Senate’s composition, following certain resignations and reassignment of seats.
Senator Jibrin, who is the chairman Kogi Senate caucus in his apology to the senate president said, “The recent movement of the senators is attributable to the defection of Sen Ned Nwoko.
“The reaction of Natasha is uncalled for, and I want to sincerely apologise to the Senate President and to the entire Senate on behalf of Sen. Natasha”, he said. As the tension escalated, Akpabio was heard calling for order and considering a suspension.
Similarly, Senator Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West) urged Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to embrace the changes in good faith, noting that her reaction was unnecessary.
Responding to the uproar, Senate President Akpabio recalled his own experience during the 8th Senate, where his seat was also changed without prior notice.
“Distinguished senator, no one is targeting you. Seat changes are normal. I had mine changed in the past without causing a scene,” Akpabio stated.
While acknowledging the discomfort that such changes may cause, he emphasized the importance of handling internal matters with decorum. In a light-hearted remark, Akpabio suggested reverting to the old microphone system to prevent further disruptions, while sarcastically apologizing “on behalf of the contractor” for the technical issues that allowed the heated exchange to escalate.
Following interventions and appeals for calm, normalcy was eventually restored, allowing the Senate to resume its legislative duties. The incident has since sparked mixed reactions among the public, with video footage of the confrontation circulating widely on social media platforms.
