“I Am Not Afraid of You” – Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Confronts Akpabio Over Seating Dispute

Tensions escalated in the Senate on Wednesday, when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, vocally opposed a seating reassignment during a plenary session.

The altercation began when Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat was reassigned, a decision she vehemently opposed. Despite a ruling from Akpabio and warnings from the Chief Whip, the senator refused to vacate her original position, resulting in a dramatic confrontation.

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“I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege,” Akpoti-Uduaghan declared, her voice rising above the chamber. The standoff briefly halted proceedings, with calls from several lawmakers for her removal from the chamber.

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The disagreement arose from a shift in seating to accommodate changes within the chamber’s political composition. As some opposition senators moved to the majority wing, the seating arrangement was modified. Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, refused to comply, arguing that the reassignment was unfair and infringed on her privileges as a member of the Senate.

Senate President Akpabio sought to restore order, stating that the changes were procedural and in line with parliamentary rules. He emphasized the Senate’s authority to reassign seats at any time.

Senator Isah Jibrin, representing Kogi East, condemned Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions, offering an apology to the Senate President and the chamber. He characterized her behaviour as “inappropriate” and urged her to reflect on her conduct.

Meanwhile, Senate officials expressed concern about the disruption. Senator Sunday Karimi, Chairman of Rules and Business, also reiterated that the Senate President had the power to determine seating arrangements, stressing that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions disrupted the smooth functioning of the Senate.

The confrontation was finally resolved when calm was restored, but the incident highlights ongoing tensions over procedural authority in Nigeria’s Senate. Critics of Akpoti-Uduaghan argue that her actions were disruptive, while her supporters claim that her refusal to comply was an expression of resistance to undue manipulation of her position.

Despite the heated exchange, Akpabio assured the chamber that the matter would be addressed in due course, underscoring the importance of maintaining order and decorum in the Senate.