Again, there was another drama at the National Assembly today when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had another clash with the leadership over a seating arrangement dispute.
Trouble started when Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat was reassigned following a reshuffle, prompted by opposition members moving to the majority wing.
However, Senator Natasha refused to relocate.
The reassignment according to the Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno is justified under the Senate Rules.
He explained that seat adjustments were within the President of the Senate’s authority.
According to him, non-compliance could lead to penalties, including exclusion from Senate debates.
Reacting, Senate President Godswill Akpabio upheld Monguno’s order and denied Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan the floor when she attempted to speak from her old seat.
However Senator Natasha raised her voice, accusing the leadership of silencing her.
The stand-off 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 move.
