“Get Out!”: Akpabio Orders Natasha’s Removal in Brutal Senate Standoff
A mild drama unfolded in the Senate on Thursday when Senate President Godswill Akpabio ordered the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove Senator Natasha Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, after a dispute over her refusal to relocate to a new seat assigned to her.
The tension began following a report by Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Monguno, who informed the Senate that Senator Natasha had not complied with a seat reassignment, which was meant to close gaps left by two opposition senators who recently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Monguno cited Order 24, highlighting his authority as Chief Whip, and invoked Order 6, which grants the Senate President the power to reassign senators’ seats at any time.
He also emphasized that senators must speak from their designated seats, reinforcing Akpabio’s authority to deny recognition to anyone speaking from an unassigned seat.
In defiance, Natasha stood from her original seat and attempted to invoke Order 10, arguing that her rights and privileges had been violated. However, Akpabio quickly ruled her out of order, stating that she could not be recognized while speaking from an unauthorized seat.
Frustrated, Natasha accused Akpabio of intentionally silencing her and preventing her from engaging in legislative matters. She claimed that her bills had been blocked from progressing to the second reading. In an emotional outburst, she declared that Akpabio’s actions would not deter her, asserting that the worst he could do was suspend her, but she would continue to serve the people of Kogi Central and fight for Nigerian women.
Natasha further accused Akpabio of discrimination, defamation, and dehumanization, alleging that his language was disrespectful to women. In a heated exchange, she protested the decision to relocate her seat, calling it an attempt to victimise her and deny her the right to represent her constituency. This led Akpabio to order her removal from the chamber.
“I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege,” Natasha shouted at Akpabio.
Her colleagues from Kogi State intervened in an effort to calm the situation. Senator Isa Jibrin, the Chairman of the Kogi Senate Caucus, apologized to Akpabio and the Senate on behalf of Natasha, explaining that the seat reassignment was due to the recent defection of Senator Ned Nwoko. He condemned Natasha’s actions and expressed regret for the disruption.
As tensions mounted, Akpabio called for order, considering a suspension for Natasha, but several senators, including Senator Austin Akobundu, intervened, stepping in to prevent her forceful removal by the Sergeant-at-Arms. Other lawmakers also urged Akpabio to de-escalate the situation.
After a prolonged standoff, Natasha eventually ceased her protest, and the plenary proceedings resumed without further incident.
