Tensions escalated during Monday’s plenary session as a disagreement over seating arrangements sparked a heated exchange between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate leadership.
The issue arose when Senator Natasha’s seat was reassigned at the start of the session, but she refused to comply with the relocation.
Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno raised a point of order, referencing sections of the Senate rule book to justify the seat reassignment. He explained that the adjustments were necessary due to shifts in seating caused by opposition members moving to the majority wing, emphasizing that such changes fall under the constitutional authority of the Senate President.
Senator Monguno warned that failure to adhere to the new seating arrangement could result in penalties, including barring the non-compliant senator from participating in floor discussions.
Supporting this stance, Senate President Godswill Akpabio upheld the Chief Whip’s order. However, when Senator Natasha attempted to speak, she was denied recognition for not addressing the chamber from her reassigned seat.
Undeterred, Senator Natasha raised her voice in protest, directly confronting the Senate President, intensifying the confrontation.
“I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege,” the Kogi lawmaker said.
The standoff added an unexpected layer of drama and tension during the plenary. The Senate President even ordered the sergeant at arms to walk her out, but after the intervention from various lawmakers, calm was restored but she adamantly declined to move.