Nigeria — Tension in the Senate on Thursday after Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed with the leadership over a seating arrangement dispute.
The issue began when Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat was reassigned following a reshuffle prompted by opposition members moving to the majority wing.
However, she refused to relocate.
Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, cited Senate rules to justify the change, explaining that seat adjustments were within the Senate President’s authority.
He also warned that non-compliance could lead to penalties, including exclusion from Senate debates.
The Senate President Godswill Akpabio upheld Monguno’s order and denied Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan the floor when she attempted to speak from her old seat.
In protest, the Kogi lawmaker raised her voice, accusing the leadership of silencing her.
“I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege,” she declared.
The standoff intensified when the Senate President directed the sergeant-at-arms to remove her.n
Interventions from fellow lawmakers however restored calm, although Akpoti-Uduaghan remained firm in her refusal to move.
Margret Oshinowo|February 20, 2025
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