Tensions escalated during Monday’s plenary when a disagreement over seating arrangements sparked a heated exchange between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate leadership.
The issue began when Senator Natasha’s seat was moved at the start of the session, but she refused to accept the change.
Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno raised a point of order, referencing sections of the Senate rule book to defend the reassignment.
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He explained that the changes were necessary due to some opposition members shifting to the majority wing, and that such decisions fell within the constitutional authority of the Senate President.
Senator Monguno added that failure to comply with the new seating arrangement could result in penalties, including being prohibited from participating in debates on the Senate floor.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio supported this view, ruling in favor of the seating change. However, when Senator Natasha attempted to speak, she was not recognized, as she was not seated in the newly designated spot.
Unwilling to accept the decision, Senator Natasha raised her voice in protest and directly confronted the Senate President.
“I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege,” the Kogi lawmaker said.
The standoff brought an unexpected level of drama and tension to the plenary. The Senate President even instructed the sergeant-at-arms to escort her out, but after several lawmakers intervened, order was restored.
However, Senator Natasha remained firm in her refusal to comply with the seating change.
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