Tensions flared during a plenary session of the Nigerian Senate when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan openly resisted the relocation of her seat. According to reports from DAILY TRUST, the session, presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, took an unexpected turn as the Kogi Central senator refused to comply with the directive to occupy her reassigned seat.
The controversy began when the Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Ali Monguno, drew attention to Senator Natasha's refusal to sit in her newly assigned position. Monguno formally pointed out the issue to the Senate President, labeling her action as non-compliant.
While Monguno was making his submission, Senator Natasha interjected forcefully, demanding to know why her seat had been changed without prior consultation. "Why was my seat moved without my consent?" she asked, her voice firm as she challenged the decision.
In response, Senate President Akpabio upheld the relocation order and directed her to comply. However, Natasha's attempt to raise a point of order from her original seat was denied, as Akpabio insisted she address the chamber from her reassigned position.
Refusing to yield, Senator Natasha raised her voice in protest, accusing the Senate leadership of unfair treatment. She declared, "I don't care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege." The Kogi lawmaker also alleged that she had been deliberately sidelined and denied opportunities to present bills for second readings following a previous disagreement with the Senate President.
The situation escalated as the confrontation brought the plenary session to a halt. At one point, Akpabio ordered the sergeant-at-arms to remove Senator Natasha from the chamber. However, interventions from other senators helped de-escalate the tension, and the session eventually resumed. Despite these efforts, Senator Natasha refused to move to her reassigned seat.
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