Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seat reassignment, accusing the leadership of silencing her. Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu dismissed her claims, stating that the National Assembly is for governance, not theatrics. The controversy was settled after an apology from Senator Isah Jubril.
A heated exchange erupted in the Senate on Thursday as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over a controversial seat reassignment. Representing Kogi Central, Akpoti-Uduaghan rejected her new seat placement, citing Senate rules that protect lawmakers’ privileges. The seat reshuffle followed the defection of opposition senators to the ruling party, necessitating changes in seating arrangements.
During the confrontation, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate leadership of attempting to silence her, declaring, “I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you.” In response, Akpabio ordered her removal from the chamber, but fellow senators intervened to de-escalate the situation.
Reacting to the incident, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu dismissed claims that Akpoti-Uduaghan was being sidelined. Speaking on Sunrise Daily, he insisted that the legislature was a governance place, not theatrics. “The National Assembly is not for content creation or entertainment; it is for serious business,” he stated.
Adaramodu also pointed out that Akpoti-Uduaghan, despite being a first-time senator, had been appointed to chair three committees—more than the standard one. He emphasized that the matter had been settled after Senator Isah Jubril apologized on her behalf, and the Senate had accepted it.
With tensions now seemingly defused, the controversy highlights ongoing power struggles within the Senate as political alignments shift.
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