Nigerian Senate in chaos as Natasha kick against changing seating arrangement

Disquiet erupted in the Senate on Thursday after Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District under Social Democratic Party platform clashed with the leadership over a seating arrangement dispute.

The issue began when Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat was reassigned following a reshuffle prompted by opposition member moving to the majority wing and two vacant seats in the hallow chamber.

Recall Senator Ned Nwoko representing Delta North Senatorial district on Wednesday during plenary after Senate President Godswill Akpabio read his letter announcing his intent to cross carpet, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress which now has 64 senators, PDP 33, LP 5, NNPP 2, SDP 2 and APGA 1, totaling 107 members.

Anambra South and Edo Central seats are vacant following the death of Ifeanyi Ubah and the inauguration of Monday Okpebholo as governor of Edo State.

But notwithstanding, she refused to relocate to the new seat.

Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, cited Senate rules to justify the change, explaining that seat adjustments were within the President of the Senate’s authority.

He also warned that non-compliance could lead to penalties, including exclusion from Senate debates.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio upheld Monguno’s order and denied Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan the floor when she attempted to speak from her initial seat.

In protest, the Kogi lawmaker raised her voice, accusing the leadership of silencing her.

The standoff intensified when the President of the Senate directed the sergeant-at-arms to remove her.

However, interventions from fellow lawmakers restored calm, although Akpoti-Uduaghan remained firm in her refusal to relocate.