The Senate has taken action against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by referring her to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for disciplinary review, following her altercation with Senate President Godswill. Akpabio.
This decision comes after a dispute regarding her seating arrangements during a plenary session, which sparked controversy and media attention.
In a vote held on Tuesday, the Senate empowered the committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imaseun, to investigate the matter within two weeks.
Senators expressed the need to uphold the decorum and rules of the chamber, with Senate spokesperson, Sen. Yemi Adaramodu criticizing Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan for what he termed “extreme intransigence.”
He emphasized that the Senate should focus on law- making, rather than becoming a platform for sensationalism, insisting that violations of procedure should incur consequences.
Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele supported this viewpoint, reaffirming the Senate’s commitment to integrity and order.
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He rejected claims that the issue was rooted in gender bias, pointing out that other senior senators had adjusted to seating changes without objections.
“Everyone has an opinion on this issue, but we are bound by our rules. Under our watch, we will not allow this institution to be discredited beyond what we inherited. Integrity is non-negotiable,” Sen. Bamidele stated.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed the ethics committee to conduct a thorough review of the incident, highlighting that while senators can sit anywhere, they are expected to contribute from their designated seats.
He noted that Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s unfamiliarity, with Senate procedures might have played a role in the altercation.
“The first day she was sworn in, she stood up to contribute, and I was worried if she had even read the rule book. There is nothing wrong with being vibrant, but everything wrong with disobeying procedure,” Sen. Akpabio said.
He also reminded members of the importance of parliamentary decorum, referencing specific Senate rules against disruptive behaviours.
