By Anwar Usman
Tensions flare-up in the Senate on Thursday after Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan exchange words with the leadership over a seating arrangement dispute.
The issue started when Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat was reassigned following a reshuffle prompted by opposition members moving to the majority wing which she refused to abide by.
The Chief Whip of the house, Senator Tahir Monguno, explained the Senate rules to justify the change, and stated that seat adjustments were under the authority of the Senate President.
He also warned that non-compliance could lead to penalties, including exclusion from Senate debates.
The president of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio supports Monguno’s order and denied Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan the floor when she attempted to speak from her old seat.
In response to that, the Kogi lawmaker raised her voice, accusing the leadership of trying to silence her.
She stated that “I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege”.
The standoff intensified when the Senate President directed the sergeant-at-arms to remove her.
However, with the help of some lawmakers calmness was restored, although Akpoti-Uduaghan stand firm in her refusal to move.