Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has refuted Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s assertion regarding the Senate’s seating reassignment.
The controversy began when the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, reallocated Natasha’s seat, triggering a dispute. The Senator representing Kogi Central refused to take her new seat, sparking drama during a plenary session. When Natasha later sought to speak, she was denied recognition because she was not seated at her assigned spot. This led to her vocal protest, accusing Akpabio of denying her rights.
In response, the Senate voted to refer Natasha to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for disciplinary review.
During an appearance on Arise TV on February 28, 2025, Natasha suggested that the seating rearrangement was a strategy to hinder her legislative duties. She further accused Senator Akpabio of sexual harassment, claiming that he had repeatedly sought an intimate relationship with her.
In reaction to Natasha’s claims, Senator Ireti Kingibe, also appearing on Arise TV, criticized the Kogi senator for not adhering to Senate rules. Kingibe pointed out that while the other three female senators had refrained from commenting on the seating issue, it was because they did not wish to speak negatively about Natasha. She added that they hoped the situation would eventually resolve itself.
Kingibe emphasized, “The Senate is not a place for squabbles over trivial matters like seating arrangements.” She also clarified that Natasha was not the only senator whose seat had been moved, revealing that other lawmakers, including several men, were also affected by the reassignment.
The Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs acknowledged that the Senate had room for improvement in terms of gender equality, though she noted that conditions had gotten better since their initial entry.
She stated, “The truth is, yes, the Senate is not entirely gender-friendly, but it has improved since we first came. When we raise issues with the Senate president, they are often addressed. While the Senate could do more, the issues we face are not unique to women.”
Kingibe urged women to respect the rules of the institution they choose to serve in, saying, “I want women to understand that we must follow the rules of the institutions we enter, and that is the main point of this discussion.”
