Tension in Senate as Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan defies Akpabio over seat change

A heated confrontation unfolded in the Senate on Thursday as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan openly challenged the leadership over a seating arrangement dispute, declaring, “I’m not afraid of you.”

The clash erupted after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat was reassigned following a reshuffle triggered by opposition lawmakers moving to the majority wing. However, she refused to comply with the relocation order, leading to a tense standoff in the chamber.

Defending the change, Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno cited Senate rules, explaining that seating adjustments fall under the authority of the Senate President. He also warned that failure to adhere to the directive could result in penalties, including being barred from contributing to Senate debates.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio backed Monguno’s directive and subsequently denied Akpoti-Uduaghan the opportunity to speak when she attempted to do so from her original seat.

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Unfazed, the Kogi lawmaker raised her voice in protest, accusing the leadership of stifling her rights.

“I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege,” she declared.

The situation escalated further when Akpabio ordered the sergeant-at-arms to have her removed from the chamber. However, other lawmakers stepped in to calm tensions, preventing further confrontation.

Despite the interventions, Akpoti-Uduaghan remained defiant, refusing to move from her seat, signaling her continued resistance to what she perceived as an unjust directive.

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