By Capital Watch Media
A heated confrontation erupted in the Senate on Thursday after Senate President Godswill Akpabio ordered security to remove Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the chamber over a dispute regarding her seat allocation.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Kogi Central, refused to use the seat assigned to her, citing Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules, which protects lawmakers’ privileges.
Upon entering the chamber, the senator discovered her nameplate missing from her usual seat, prompting her to demand an explanation.
“I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege,” she told Akpabio as tensions rose.
The situation escalated when Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, APC, Borno North, raised a point of order, stating that Akpoti-Uduaghan was seated incorrectly.
As Monguno spoke, Akpoti-Uduaghan interrupted, questioning why her seat was reassigned without her knowledge or consent.
In response, Akpabio ordered the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove the senator, warning her that continued disruption could lead to suspension.
“Can the Sergeant-at-Arms please take her out of the Senate?” Akpabio directed as her microphone was switched off.
Security personnel attempted to escort Akpoti-Uduaghan out, but she resisted and continued protesting her treatment.
Sensing the tension, some senators intervened, with Kogi lawmakers, led by Senator Isah Jibrin, APC, Kogi East, calling for calm.
Akpabio later compared the situation to disruptions in the South African parliament, referencing opposition leader Julius Malema’s frequent clashes.
He recalled a similar experience during his time in the 8th Senate when his seat was reassigned but resolved without confrontation.
“In the 8th Senate, my seat was changed without prior notice. I voiced my displeasure, but the matter was resolved internally,” Akpabio said.
Following a brief recess, Senator Jibrin apologised on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s behalf, requesting that the matter be put to rest.
Senator Sunday Karimi, APC, Kogi West, defended the seat reassignment, calling Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reaction unnecessary.
Akpabio later intervened, explaining that seat reallocation is routine and governed by the Senate’s Standing Orders.
