A heated confrontation unfolded during 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.
The session took an unexpected turn when Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived to find her seat reassigned, with her nameplate removed.
Outraged, she immediately raised her voice in protest, demanding an explanation for what she perceived as an unjustified move.
Citing Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules, which protects members’ privileges, Akpoti-Uduaghan sought recognition from the Senate President to air her grievances.
However, Akpabio refused her request, escalating tensions further.
As her protest continued, Senate security officials, including the Sergeant-at-Arms, were called in to restore order.
The situation drew the attention of Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) and other colleagues, who stepped in to mediate. Their intervention helped calm the immediate tensions, allowing the plenary session to proceed.
Later in the session, Senator Isah Jibrin (Kogi East) invoked Order 42, which allows for personal explanations, to revisit the earlier altercation.
He clarified that the seat reshuffling was a procedural matter, resulting from recent resignations and reassignments within the Senate.
While expressing regret over the incident, Sen. Jibrin described Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reaction as unnecessary, urging her to accept the changes in good faith.
“I want to appeal that we do not escalate this matter beyond the chamber. Seat reallocation is a normal process in the Senate, and we should not let this cause unnecessary division,” he said.
Adding to the discussion, Senator Karimi Sunday (Kogi West), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Services, raised a point under Order 14, which governs privileges and discipline.
He expressed discontent over how Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan had singled him out during her protest, stating that he had chosen restraint rather than responding in kind. His remarks highlighted the growing friction between senators over procedural matters.
In his ruling, Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged all senators to exercise restraint and foster reconciliation.
He emphasized that seat allocation follows established rules and is subject to adjustments as necessary.
“I want the public to understand that our proceedings are governed by rules and the Constitution. Seat reallocation is a routine practice, not an act of bias or exclusion,” Akpabio stated.
Citing Section 6(1) and (2) of the Senate Standing Orders, he clarified that while senators must speak from their designated seats, these allocations can be modified at the discretion of the Senate President.
Concluding his remarks, Akpabio called on all aggrieved parties to “temper justice with mercy” and focus on legislative duties rather than internal disputes.
With the matter seemingly settled, the Senate moved on to other legislative business, but the episode underscored the underlying tensions among lawmakers and the challenges of maintaining order in Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber.
