Drama unfolded in the Senate on Thursday as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed with the leadership over a seating arrangement dispute.
The disagreement began when her seat was reassigned after opposition members shifted to the majority wing. Despite this, Akpoti-Uduaghan refused to vacate her seat.
Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno defended the change, citing Senate rules that give the Senate President the authority to make seat adjustment.
He warned that failure to comply could result in penalties, including being barred from participating in Senate debates.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio supported Monguno’s decision and refused to allow Akpoti-Uduaghan to speak from her original seat. In response, the Kogi lawmaker raised her voice in protest, accusing the leadership of stifling her.
“I don’t care if I am silenced. I’m not afraid of you. You’ve denied me my privilege,” she declared defiantly.
Tensions escalated when Akpabio instructed the sergeant-at-arms to remove her, but the situation de-escalated after interventions from other lawmakers. Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, remained resolute in her refusal to move.
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