A heated moment unfolded in the Senate on Thursday when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan refused to change her seat after a reshuffle, leading to a tense standoff with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The drama began when Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was asked to move to a new seat following a reorganization caused by opposition members shifting to the majority wing. However, she resisted the change, arguing that it was an attempt to silence her.
Senate Leadership Insists on Seat Change
Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, defended the decision, saying it was within the Senate President’s authority to adjust seating arrangements. He reminded lawmakers that failing to comply with such directives could lead to penalties, including being barred from debates.
“Seat adjustments are part of the Senate’s rules, and the Senate President has the authority to enforce them,” Monguno explained.
Despite this clarification, Akpoti-Uduaghan refused to relocate, insisting that the move was unfair.
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‘I Am Not Afraid of You’ – Akpoti-Uduaghan Fires Back
Tensions rose when Akpoti-Uduaghan tried to contribute to the session from her old seat, but Akpabio denied her the floor. This prompted an angry outburst from the Kogi senator.
“I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege,” she declared, raising her voice in protest.
Akpabio, in response, ordered the sergeant-at-arms to remove her from the chamber. The directive heightened the tension, and lawmakers watched as the situation escalated.
Lawmakers Intervene to Restore Calm
Before the sergeant-at-arms could act, some senators stepped in to de-escalate the situation. Their intervention helped prevent the removal of Akpoti-Uduaghan, but she remained adamant in her refusal to switch seats.
The standoff highlighted growing tensions in the Senate, as opposition lawmakers continue to push back against leadership decisions.
While the session eventually continued, the confrontation between Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate leadership underscored deeper divisions within the chamber, with many expecting further clashes in the coming weeks.