Following a disagreement over seating arrangements between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate leadership on Thursday, tensions in the chamber flared.
The problem started when opposition members moved to the majority side, leading to a reshuffle that resulted in the reassignment of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat.
Nevertheless, she declined to move.
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.
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.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: Court Reinstates Suspended UNICROSS Vice Chancellor, Professor Austin Angba
“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.
However, interventions from fellow lawmakers restored calm, although Akpoti-Uduaghan remained firm in her refusal to move.
