‘I’m not afraid of you’ — Akpabio, Natasha Akpoti clash over senate seating arrangement

A heated argument erupted between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, lawmaker representing Kogi central, over a change in seating arrangements.

The disagreement began when Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat was reassigned at the start of plenary, but she refused to comply with the relocation.

Tahir Monguno, the senate chief whip, defended the decision, citing constitutional provisions and explaining that the adjustments were necessary to accommodate opposition lawmakers who had defected to the ruling party.

Monguno warned that failure to adhere to the new seating arrangement could have consequences, including preventing the lawmaker from contributing to discussions in the chamber.

Akpabio backed Monguno, and when Akpoti-Uduaghan attempted to speak from her original seat, she was denied recognition.

The situation escalated as Akpoti-Uduaghan protested, insisting that her parliamentary privileges had been violated.

“I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege,” the Kogi lawmaker said.

Akpoti-Uduaghan engaged in a hubbub before she was surrounded by the sergeant-at-arms in a bid to excuse her from the plenary.

The situation was brought under control following the deactivation of the sound system, which paved the way for a return to tranquility.