Tensions flared during plenary on Monday as a dispute over seating arrangements led to a heated exchange between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the senate leadership.
The controversy began when Senator Natasha’s seat was relocated upon resumption of the session, but she refused to comply with the change.
The Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, had raised a point of order, citing sections of the Senate rule book to justify the reassignment of seats.
Monguno explained that the changes were necessary to accommodate shifts caused by some opposition members moving to the majority wing. The changes, he argued, are within the constitutional prerogative of the Senate President.
Senator Monguno further emphasized that failure to comply with the new seating arrangement could lead to penalties, including the possibility of being barred from participating in discussions on the Senate floor.
Upholding this position, Senate President Godswill Akpabio ruled in favor of the order. However, when Senator Natasha raised her hand to speak, she was denied recognition because she was not addressing the chamber from her newly assigned seat.
Refusing to back down, Senator Natasha raised her voice in protest, directly confronting the Senate President.
“I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege,” the Kogi lawmaker said.
The standoff added an unexpected layer of drama and tension during the plenary. The Senate President even ordered the sergeant at arms to walk her out, but after the intervention from various lawmakers, calm was restored but she adamantly declined to move.
