A heated disagreement erupted in the Senate on Thursday as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed over a seating reassignment in the chamber.
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The controversy began when Senator Natasha’s seat was relocated upon resumption of the session. However, she refused to comply with the change, sparking tension in the chamber.
Chief Whip Tahir Monguno raised a point of order, citing Senate rules to justify the adjustment. He explained that the reshuffling was necessary to accommodate opposition lawmakers who had moved to the majority wing.
Monguno further stressed that the Senate President has the authority to make such changes, warning that noncompliance could attract penalties, including exclusion from Senate discussions.
The situation escalated when Senator Natasha attempted to speak but was denied recognition because she refused to address the chamber from her reassigned seat.
In a direct confrontation with Akpabio, she declared, “I don’t care if I am silenced, I am not afraid. You have denied me my privilege.” Despite Akpabio’s directive for her removal, the Sergeant-at-Arms did not intervene, allowing Senator Natasha to remain in her original seat.
