Tensions flared in the Senate on Thursday as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over a seating arrangement dispute.
The confrontation began after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat was reassigned due to a reshuffle following opposition lawmakers’ move to the majority wing. However, she refused to vacate her original seat.
Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno defended the decision, citing Senate rules that grant the Senate President authority over seat allocations. He also warned that defying the directive could lead to penalties, including exclusion from debates.
When Akpoti-Uduaghan attempted to speak from her old seat, Akpabio denied her the floor, prompting a heated response from the Kogi senator.
“I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege,” she declared.
As tensions escalated, Akpabio instructed the sergeant-at-arms to remove her, but intervention from fellow lawmakers helped de-escalate the situation. Despite the pressure, Akpoti-Uduaghan stood her ground and refused to move.
