Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Referred to Disciplinary Committee Over Senate Dispute
The Nigerian Senate has unanimously referred Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions following a heated dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over a sudden change in her designated seat. The referral comes as the Senate moves to uphold parliamentary rules and maintain order within its chambers.
The disagreement, which took place on February 20, saw Akpoti-Uduaghan expressing strong opposition to the unilateral alteration of her seat arrangement, leading to a tense exchange with the Senate President. The incident has sparked concerns about procedural transparency and internal Senate politics.
Chaired by Senator Neda Imaseun (LP, Edo South), the Ethics Committee has been given two weeks to investigate the matter and submit a report. The decision followed a voice vote where lawmakers emphasized the necessity of discipline and decorum in legislative proceedings.
Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), raised a motion under Senate Orders 1(b) and 10, criticizing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reaction as “extreme intransigence.” He stressed the importance of enforcing Senate discipline, stating, “Where there is sin, there must be a penalty.”
Echoing these sentiments, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele reaffirmed the legislative body’s commitment to internal order, asserting, “While opinions may differ, we are bound by our rules. Integrity in this institution is non-negotiable.”
In response, Senate President Akpabio directed the Committee on Ethics and Privileges to conduct a thorough review of the incident. He pointed out that while senators are permitted to sit anywhere, contributions to debates must be made from their designated seats.
Akpabio also suggested that unfamiliarity with Senate procedures may have contributed to the altercation. “The first day she was sworn in, she stood up to contribute, and I was concerned whether she had even read the rule book. Being vibrant is commendable, but disregarding procedures is unacceptable,” he remarked.
Citing Senate Order 66(2) and Section 55, Akpabio emphasized the importance of decorum, including prohibitions on disruptive behavior, chewing gum, or drinking water during sittings. He further noted, “The rules e the Senate.
Stay tuned for further updates on this unfolding story.
mpower the Senate President to suspend a senator for infractions for at least 14 days. These are not my rules; they are the institution’s rules.”
This development is expected to fuel debates on gender representation, internal power dynamics, and procedural fairness in Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber. The outcome of the Ethics Committee’s findings may significantly impact future parliamentary conduct and the balance of power within
Reference
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Referred to Disciplinary Committee Over Senate Dispute