“Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan Urged to Apologize for ‘Shouting Match’ in Senate”
Legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Monday Ubani, has called on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to acknowledge her actions during her recent outburst in the Senate chambers and issue a formal apology.
Ubani, reflecting on the confrontation that occurred during a Senate session, argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s disruptive behavior, which included shouting and disturbing the proceedings, was inappropriate. He stressed that such actions undermine the Senate and the dignity of the institution she represents.
While recognizing the right of every senator, including Akpoti-Uduaghan, to voice concerns and be heard, Ubani questioned whether her approach was the most effective way to handle the matter. He reminded the senator that Senate rules are in place to maintain order and ensure the dignity of the institution. Disregarding these rules, he warned, could set a dangerous precedent for disorderly conduct within the Senate and beyond.
“If her new seating arrangement genuinely obstructs her visibility in the chambers, as she claimed, was there no more civil or procedural way to address the issue?” Ubani asked.
He further criticized the senator’s response in an interview with Berekete Family Radio, describing her remarks as reflective of an “exaggerated sense of entitlement rather than a constructive pursuit of justice.”
Drawing a comparison to a similar incident with Senate President Godswill Akpabio during the tenure of former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Ubani recalled how Akpabio had apologized after understanding the reasoning behind a seating rearrangement. He contrasted this with Akpoti-Uduaghan’s combative stance, suggesting that her refusal to back down showed a lack of respect for Senate procedures.
Ubani warned that failure to adhere to the Senate’s established protocols could diminish Akpoti-Uduaghan’s effectiveness as a lawmaker. He advised the senator to reconsider her approach and seek humility by apologizing to the Senate, cautioning that those currently supporting her might not stand by her in the future if her conduct continues to undermine the institution.
Ubani also urged Senate leadership to avoid applying disciplinary actions in this case, warning that such measures could escalate the misunderstanding further.
