Rowdy Senate as member protests seat reassignment
A heated confrontation ensued during yesterday’s Senate plenary session when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) protested the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, leading to tense moments in the chamber.
The session took an unexpected turn when Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived to find her seat reassigned, with her nameplate removed. Outraged, she immediately raised her voice in protest, demanding an explanation for what she perceived as an unjust move.
Citing Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules, which protects members’ privileges, Akpoti-Uduaghan sought recognition from the Senate President to air her grievances.
However, Akpabio refused her request, escalating tension further.
As her protest continued, security officials, including the Sergeant-at-Arms, were called in to restore order. The situation drew the attention of Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) and other colleagues, who stepped in to mediate. Their intervention calmed the immediate tension, allowing the plenary session to proceed.
Later in the session, Senator Isah Jibrin (Kogi East) invoked Order 42, which allows for personal explanations, to revisit the earlier altercation. He clarified that the seat reshuffling was a procedural matter, resulting from recent resignations and reassignments within the Senate.
While expressing regret over the incident, Jibrin described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reaction as unnecessary, urging her to accept the changes in good faith.
“I want to appeal that we do not escalate this matter beyond the chamber. Seat reallocation is a normal process in the Senate, and we should not let this cause unnecessary division,” he said.
Adding to the discussion, Senator Karimi Sunday (Kogi West), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Services, raised a point under Order 14, which governs privileges and discipline.
He expressed discontent over how Akpoti-Uduaghan had singled him out during her protest, stating that he had chosen restraint rather than responding in kind. His remarks highlighted the growing friction between senators over procedural matters.
In his ruling, Akpabio urged all senators to exercise restraint and foster reconciliation.
He emphasised that seat allocation follows established rules, and is subject to adjustments as necessary.
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