By Ifeoluwa Odunayo
A heated confrontation erupted in the Senate on Thursday after Senate President Godswill Akpabio ordered the removal of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central), for refusing to relocate to a reassigned seat.
The drama unfolded after Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno reported that Natasha defied the seat adjustment, which followed the defection of two opposition senators to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Citing Senate rules, Monguno affirmed Akpabio’s authority to reassign seats and deny recognition to senators who fail to comply.
However, Natasha pushed back, accusing Akpabio of silencing her and blocking her legislative efforts. “I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you,” she declared defiantly.
As Akpabio ordered her removal, fellow senators, including Austin Akobundu, intervened, preventing a forceful ejection.
Tensions ran high until Kogi Senate Caucus Chairman Isa Jibrin stepped in, offering an apology on Natasha’s behalf.
After a heated standoff, Natasha eventually yielded, and proceedings resumed.
