Tensions flared in the Senate on Thursday as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan stood her ground against the leadership during a charged session.
The heated clash centered around a contentious seat reassignment following a reshuffle triggered by opposition lawmakers shifting to the majority bloc.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan flatly refused to relocate, despite Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno citing Senate protocols that grant the Senate President authority over seating arrangements.
Monguno sternly reminded members that non-compliance could result in disciplinary action, including being barred from debates.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio backed Monguno’s directive and swiftly denied Akpoti-Uduaghan the floor when she attempted to speak from her original seat. Unfazed, the Kogi lawmaker raised her voice in defiance:
“I don’t care if I’m silenced—I am not afraid of you! You’ve stripped me of my right,” she declared.
The tension peaked when Akpabio ordered the sergeant-at-arms to escort her out. However, colleagues intervened, de-escalating the standoff.
Despite calls for calm, Akpoti-Uduaghan refused to vacate her seat, maintaining her firm stance.
This article was updated 1 day ago
