As a duly elected senator, I will remain in this seat, no matter what. The worst you can do is suspend me, but that will not stop me from serving my constituents and contributing to this chamber and Nigeria at large.”
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – Tensions ran high during Senate plenary on Thursday when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the reassignment of her seat.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was visibly agitated upon entering the chamber and discovering that her name had been removed from her usual seat. She immediately raised her voice, demanding an explanation for the change.
Citing Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules, which addresses senators’ privileges, she sought recognition to speak. However, Senate President Akpabio denied her request, further escalating the situation.
“I don’t care if I’m silenced—I am not afraid,” she declared. “Mr. Senate President, ever since the nightclub incident, you have deliberately suppressed my voice. My bills have not progressed beyond the second reading. I refuse to be intimidated.”
She continued, “As a duly elected senator, I will remain in this seat, no matter what. The worst you can do is suspend me, but that will not stop me from serving my constituents and contributing to this chamber and Nigeria at large.”
Directing her frustration at Akpabio, she added, “I have endured enough from you. If you insist on silencing me, I will expose the discrimination, humiliation, and mistreatment I have suffered. Your words have embarrassed me, Mr. President, but I will not vacate this seat.”
In response, Akpabio instructed the Sergeant-at-Arms: “Please escort her out so we can proceed with today’s session.”
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and other colleagues intervened, attempting to calm her down and clarify the rationale behind the seating adjustments.
Later, Senator Isah Jibrin invoked Order 42, which allows for personal explanations, to address the incident. He explained that recent developments had led to vacancies, necessitating a reshuffling of seats.
Apologizing to the Senate President and the entire chamber for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s conduct, he described her reaction as unnecessary and urged that the matter not be escalated.
Senator Karimi Sunday (Kogi West), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Services, also spoke on the issue under Order 14, which pertains to privileges and discipline. Expressing his displeasure, he stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan had shouted his name during her outburst, but he chose to remain composed and did not respond.
Delivering his ruling, Akpabio urged affected senators to show restraint and forgiveness. He emphasised that reallocation was not unusual, citing Senate Standing Orders, Section 6(1) and (2), which state that a senator may only speak from their assigned seat unless the Senate President deems it necessary to make changes.