Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu criticized Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Friday after a dispute over seating arrangements in the Senate chamber.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), refused to take her assigned seat on Thursday, citing Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules that protect members’ privileges.
The situation escalated when Senate President Godswill Akpabio called for security to remove her from the chamber. Akpoti-Uduaghan defiantly told Akpabio that she was unafraid and didn’t care if she was silenced. The situation was defused after intervention from other lawmakers.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Adaramodu emphasized that the National Assembly is a place for serious governance, not a platform for entertainment.
“What we are saying is that the National Assembly is not for content creation in entertainment. It is for serious business,” he asserted.
Adaramodu, who represents Ekiti South Senatorial District, also responded to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims of being bullied or marginalized.
He pointed out that despite being a first-term senator, she chairs three committees, a privilege typically given to those with more experience.
“If she feels bullied or sidelined, she should consider the fact that as a first-timer, she is already chairing three committees. Normally, one would be assigned just one committee, but she is in charge of Foreign Affairs and NGOs,” he explained.
On the possibility of disciplinary action, Adaramodu confirmed that Senator Isah Jubril of Kogi State had already issued an apology on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s behalf.
