Tension erupted in the Nigerian Senate on Thursday, February 20.
Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to leave the chamber.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan represents Kogi Central in the Senate.
The incident led to a brief disruption of proceedings.
It stemmed from a disagreement over the seating arrangement of lawmakers.
Dispute over seating arrangement
The commotion began over a revised seating plan in the Senate.
Akpoti-Uduaghan refused to move to her newly assigned seat.
The adjustment was approved by the house leadership.
Several lawmakers were affected by the new seating arrangement.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan insisted on remaining in her original seat.
Her refusal drew the attention of the Chief Whip Ali Ndume.
Ndume formally alerted Senate President Akpabio to the issue.
He described her seating position as improper.
Ndume emphasized the need to follow Senate protocols.
Senate president’s directive sparks outburst
Akpabio reiterated that all lawmakers must follow the seating arrangement.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan refused to comply with the directive.
Akpabio then ordered her to leave the chamber.
The Kogi lawmaker strongly opposed the directive.
She raised her voice in protest.
“I am not afraid of you!” she declared.
Her vocal resistance heightened tensions in the chamber.
Sergeant-at-arms intervenes
Security officials moved in to enforce the order.
The sergeant-at-arms surrounded Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
They urged her to leave the chamber peacefully.
Despite their presence, she continued protesting.
Her objections momentarily disrupted house proceedings.
Other lawmakers observed the situation with concern.
Some attempted to mediate between both parties.
Calls for calm and order
Senators urged Akpoti-Uduaghan to de-escalate tensions.
Akpabio maintained that legislative order must be upheld.
The exchange led to a temporary suspension of proceedings.
Senate leaders held a closed-door meeting.
They discussed how to handle the situation.
Reactions trail the incident
The altercation sparked widespread reactions.
Some lawmakers supported Akpabio’s decision.
Others criticized how the matter was handled.
Political analysts weighed in on the controversy.
Supporters praised Akpoti-Uduaghan for standing her ground.
Critics argued she defied parliamentary decorum.
The incident exposed growing tensions in the Senate.
What next?
It remains unclear if disciplinary action will follow.
The incident highlights internal divisions in the Senate.
Nigerians are closely watching the developments.
The house faces a crucial test of authority and order.
