Senate sends Natasha to disciplinary panel over seating dispute

The Senate has resolved to refer Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to its Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions over alleged disorderly conduct during a recent plenary session following a recent dispute over the seating arrangement.

The committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imaseun, has been mandated to turn in its findings in two weeks.

The resolution was reached after a voice vote on Tuesday, following lawmakers’ review of the controversy surrounding the recent altercation between Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate leadership over seat allocation, with lawmakers calling for the protection of parliamentary rules and decorum.

A heated confrontation unfolded during last Thursday’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.

Her live interview on Human Rights Radio on Friday, where she revealed her ordeal in the Senate and alleged political targeting, was also used against her.

Coming under Order 1(b) and 10, the Senate’s spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, condemned what he described as Akpoti-Uduaghan’s “extreme intransigence” during the Senate session on February 20.

He played back the saga on the floor, stating that “from that Thursday, the media was awash with this issue, and I had to work on mending the perception of the 10th Senate. The Senate is not a platform for content creation but a place for lawmaking and oversight functions.”

He urged the Senate leadership to enforce discipline, warning that “where there is sin, there must be a penalty.”

He added, “This chamber is not a place for theatrics or social media content creation. We are here to legislate, advocate for our constituents, and provide oversight over MDAs—not to engage in media dramatization.”

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim also supported the motion, emphasizing the importance of maintaining order and decorum in the Senate.

He urged all senators to respect the institution’s guiding rules, comparing the Standing Orders to the Bible and Quran for lawmakers.

Supporting Adaramodu, the Senate leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, moved a motion for the disciplinary review, reaffirming the Senate’s commitment to its rules and internal order.

He said “There is no one who does not have an opinion on this issue, but we are unified by our rules. Under our watch, we will not allow this institution to be discredited beyond what we inherited. Integrity is non-negotiable.”

He dismissed claims that the dispute was rooted in gender bias or discrimination, citing examples of senior senators who had accepted seat changes without protest.

Senator Abba Moro, supporting the motion, described the incident as an “avoidable drama” and apologised on behalf of Akpoti-Uduaghan. He urged the Senate to focus on its legislative responsibilities while allowing the Ethics Committee to handle the matter.

In response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed the Committee on Ethics and Privileges to review the entire incident and report back to the chamber.

Akpabio recalled that Senate rules allow members to sit anywhere, but contributions must be made from their designated seats.

He suggested that unfamiliarity with Senate procedures may have contributed to the altercation.

He stated, “The first day she was sworn in, she stood up to contribute, and I was worried if she had even read the rule book. There is nothing wrong with being vibrant, but everything wrong with disobeying procedure.”

Citing Order 66(2) and Section 55 of Senate rules, he underscored that all senators must conduct themselves with decorum, including prohibitions on chewing gum, drinking water, or being disruptive during sittings.

He said, “The rules empower the Senate President to suspend a senator for infractions for at least 14 days. It’s not me who made the rules; it’s in the rule book.”