In a dramatic turn of events, the Nigerian Senate has unanimously voted to refer Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for disciplinary action following a heated dispute over her seating arrangement.
The resolution, passed via a voice vote on Tuesday, directs the committee, led by Senator Neda Imaseun, to investigate the matter and report its findings within two weeks. This move underscores the Senate’s determination to uphold decorum and discipline within its chambers.
The conflict erupted during the Senate’s plenary session on February 20 when Akpoti-Uduaghan openly challenged her assigned seat, leading to a tense confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The incident quickly became a focal point in the media, drawing mixed reactions from political observers and the public alike.
Senate spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu, who moved the motion under Orders 1(b) and 10, condemned Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions as “extreme intransigence” and an affront to parliamentary order.
“Since that Thursday, the media has been filled with this issue, and I had to work on repairing the perception of the 10th Senate,” Adaramodu stated. “The Senate is not a platform for content creation; it is a place for lawmaking and oversight. Where there is wrongdoing, there must be consequences.”
Backing the motion, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele emphasized the importance of upholding the institution’s integrity.
“Everyone has an opinion on this issue, but we are united by our rules,” Bamidele remarked. “We will not allow this institution to be discredited beyond what we have inherited. Integrity is non-negotiable.”
Dismissing claims that gender bias played a role in the altercation, Bamidele pointed out that other senior senators had accepted seat reassignments without resistance.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio reiterated the importance of order and adherence to parliamentary procedures. He noted that while senators are permitted to sit anywhere within the chamber, they must contribute from their designated seats.
Reflecting on a previous encounter, Akpabio suggested that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lack of familiarity with Senate protocols may have contributed to the dispute.
“On her first day sworn in, she stood to contribute, and I was concerned whether she had even read the rulebook. While there is nothing wrong with being vibrant, it is unacceptable to disregard procedures,” he stated.
Citing Order 66(2) and Section 55 of the Senate rules, Akpabio emphasized that all senators must maintain decorum, which includes prohibitions on chewing gum, drinking water, or causing disruptions during sessions.
“The rules empower the Senate President to suspend a senator for a minimum of 14 days for infractions. I didn’t make the rules—it is all in the rulebook,” he added.
With the matter now before the Ethics Committee, political watchers are keen to see whether Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions will warrant further disciplinary measures. The Senate’s handling of this controversy will undoubtedly set a precedent for future cases of internal disputes and procedural defiance.
As the drama unfolds, one thing remains clear: the Nigerian Senate is drawing a firm line against actions perceived as disruptive, regardless of political affiliations or personal influence.
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