Abuja – Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, has raised concerns over alleged plans to suspend her following a heated confrontation with the Senate leadership during Thursday’s plenary session. The lawmaker disclosed this during a phone interview with Ahmad Isah, host of Berekete Family Radio/TV, on Friday.
The tension in the Senate stemmed from a dispute over seating arrangements after a reshuffle triggered by the defection of opposition lawmakers to the majority wing. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat was reassigned to another senator, prompting her to challenge the decision. Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, defended the move, citing Senate rules that grant the Senate President authority over seating arrangements. He warned that defiance could lead to penalties, including exclusion from debates.
Despite the warning, Akpoti-Uduaghan attempted to speak from her original seat, leading to a confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. “I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege,” she declared. Akpabio subsequently directed the sergeant-at-arms to remove her from the chamber, escalating the situation.
During the radio interview, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that efforts were underway to suspend her over the incident. “I know that right now, they are planning my suspension. If I am suspended, fine. It will not stop me from doing my work. I have some projects in line. I will keep serving my people and keep being a voice, as well as a law-abiding citizen,” she stated.
The Senator defended her actions, stating that she invoked Order 10, which allows a lawmaker to raise a point of privilege. “I didn’t speak out of order. He (Akpabio) was weighing my suspension, and I had to invoke Order 10. This means that instead of suspending me, if I were at fault, I should be referred to the Ethics and Privileges Committee,” she explained.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also revealed that she has faced ongoing harassment and marginalization since joining the Senate. “I have been going through a lot and I have remained quiet because I didn’t want to be misinterpreted. I just want to be given a chance to work. A lot of my privileges have been denied,” she said.
She recounted instances where she was excluded from international events, including a United Nations gathering she was nominated to attend. “Every event I have attended since last year has been self-sponsored. If I find an international event important for my constituents and Nigerian women, I fund my trips myself,” she added.
The Senator described the decision to change her seat as a deliberate attempt to sideline her. “Changing my seat was a deliberate move to alienate me. Sitting arrangements are very critical. Where you sit determines your visibility before the camera and increases your chances of being called upon to contribute to debates,” she noted.
Akpoti-Uduaghan questioned why she was singled out for the seating change. “You can’t just push me around like this is a classroom. There are 109 Senators—why me? Why was I the only one moved?” she protested.
The Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, had earlier criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s outburst, but the Senator maintained that her actions were within her constitutional rights. As the controversy unfolds, the Kogi lawmaker remains resolute in her commitment to serving her constituents and advocating for their interests.
