Ireti Kingibe Responds to Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Senate Seating Controversy
Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has strongly criticized her colleague, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, for her claims regarding a recent seating reassignment in the Senate. The controversy erupted when Senate President Godswill Akpabio moved Natasha from her designated seat, a decision that sparked a heated reaction.
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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, resisted the change in her seating arrangement, refusing to vacate her assigned seat during a Senate plenary session. When she later attempted to speak, she was denied recognition by the presiding officer, as she was not seated in her designated spot. Frustrated by the denial, Natasha voiced her discontent, accusing Akpabio of impeding her legislative duties. This led to a Senate vote, referring the matter to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for further investigation.
On February 28, 2025, during an appearance on Arise TV, Natasha went further, claiming that the seating reassignment was part of a calculated attempt to frustrate her legislative activities. In a dramatic twist, she also accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment, alleging that he had made inappropriate advances towards her on two separate occasions.
In response to Natasha’s accusations, Senator Ireti Kingibe appeared on the same TV program to express her disapproval. Kingibe suggested that Natasha’s handling of the situation demonstrated a disregard for Senate rules. She pointed out that the issue was not just about Natasha but affected other senators as well. “The truth is, this is not the first time seats have been reassigned. Several other male and female senators were affected that day, but Natasha seems to be making this a personal issue,” Kingibe remarked.
She also addressed the silence of the three other female senators, who, according to her, refrained from commenting on the matter. Kingibe explained that their silence was out of a desire not to publicly criticize a fellow female colleague. “As women in the Senate, we did not want to speak negatively about Natasha. We were hoping this issue would subside on its own,” Kingibe said. She further emphasized that the Senate should not be consumed by petty disputes like seating arrangements.
Kingibe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, acknowledged that the Senate has often been criticized for its lack of gender inclusivity but noted significant improvements over time. “While the Senate is not yet perfect in terms of gender sensitivity, I can honestly say that it is better than when we first entered. If we raise an issue, the Senate President usually takes corrective action. Although the Senate could do more, the challenges women face here are often no different from what our male counterparts experience,” she explained.
Kingibe concluded by urging women to adhere to the rules of the Senate. “I want to remind women entering the Senate that we must respect the institution’s rules. It is crucial that we operate within these boundaries if we are to succeed in this space,” she said.
This exchange has drawn significant attention to the internal dynamics of the Nigerian Senate, highlighting not only gender issues but also the power struggles within its leadership. As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how it will influence the working relationships among senators and the broader political landscape.
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Ireti Kingibe Responds to Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Senate Seating Controversy