A dramatic showdown unfolded in the Senate on Thursday as Senate President Godswill Akpabio ordered the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central from the chamber, sparking heated reactions among lawmakers.
The controversy began when Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno reported that Senator Natasha had refused to vacate her assigned seat despite an official directive for reassignment. According to Monguno, the seat rearrangement was necessary to accommodate shifts following the defection of two opposition senators to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Citing Order 24, Monguno emphasized his authority as Chief Whip, while referencing Order 6, which grants the Senate President the power to reassign senators’ seats at any time. He also reinforced that senators can only speak from their designated seats, empowering Akpabio to refuse recognition to anyone speaking from an unauthorized position.
However, Natasha stood her ground, invoking Order 10, arguing that her legislative privileges had been violated. Akpabio, unfazed, ruled her out of order, maintaining that she could not be recognized unless she complied with the seating directive.
Natasha Fires Back at Akpabio
Visibly frustrated, Natasha accused Akpabio of deliberately silencing her, claiming that her legislative motions and bills had repeatedly been blocked from progressing. She defiantly declared, “The worst Akpabio can do is suspend me, but even if that happens, I will continue serving my people in Kogi Central and Nigerian women.”
She further accused the Senate President of discrimination, alleging that he had maligned and dehumanized her while using degrading language against women. Refusing to back down, she stood her ground, telling Akpabio, “I am not afraid of you. Do whatever you deem fit, but I will not leave this seat. My voice will not be silenced.”
Senators Intervene as Standoff Escalates
As the situation intensified, Akpabio called for order and considered suspending Natasha from the chamber. However, several senators, including her neighbor Senator Austin Akobundu, intervened, preventing the Sergeant-at-Arms from forcefully removing her. Other lawmakers also urged Akpabio to de-escalate tensions.
After a prolonged standoff, Natasha eventually ceased her protest, allowing the plenary session to resume. However, the incident has fueled debate about gender representation, power struggles, and internal divisions within the Senate.
With tensions high and accusations flying, all eyes remain on the Senate to see whether further disciplinary action will be taken—or if this is just the beginning of another political storm.
