A heated confrontation broke out in the Senate on Thursday as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed with the leadership over a seat reassignment dispute.
The disagreement stemmed from a recent reshuffle, which saw opposition lawmakers move to the majority wing, prompting adjustments to seating arrangements. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan resisted the change and refused to relocate.
Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno defended the decision, citing Senate rules that empower the Senate President to reassign seats as necessary. He also warned that failure to comply could result in penalties, including exclusion from debates.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio backed Monguno’s position and refused to recognize Akpoti-Uduaghan when she attempted to speak from her original seat.
Frustrated by the move, the Kogi lawmaker raised her voice in protest.
“I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege,” she declared.
The situation escalated when Akpabio ordered the sergeant-at-arms to remove her from the chamber. However, interventions from fellow lawmakers helped restore calm, though Akpoti-Uduaghan remained defiant in her stance.
