Politics
VIDEO: Drama in Senate as Natasha Akpoti slams Akpabio, says ‘I am not afraid of you’
Senator representing Kogi central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has berated Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of trying to suppress her voice in the National Assembly.
This is as Akpabio ordered her out of the senate chambers over a disagreement about sitting position, prompting a heated exchange.
Akpoti alleged that Akpabio has continued to target her, noting that she could not reveal some of the things he did to her publicly, while asserting that she is not afraid of the senate president.
The dispute started when Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat was reassigned following a reshuffle caused by opposition members moving to the majority wing.
However, Uduaghan refused to move to another seat.
Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, cited Senate rules to validate the change, saying that seat adjustments were within the Senate President’s authority.
He also cautioned that non adherence to the rule could lead to penalties, including exclusion from Senate debates.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio upheld Monguno’s order and denied Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan the floor when she attempted to speak from her old seat.
In protest, the Kogi lawmaker raised her voice, accusing the leadership of silencing her.
“I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege,” she declared.
The standoff intensified when the Senate President 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.
