https://nass.gov.ng/The Nigerian Senate has referred Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for a disciplinary review. This action follows a heated dispute over seating arrangements.
The committee, led by Senator Neda Imaseun, is tasked with investigating the incident and is expected to report its findings within two weeks.
The decision followed a voice vote on Tuesday, reigniting discussions about Akpoti-Uduaghan’s confrontation with Senate leadership over her assigned seat. Lawmakers emphasized the need for maintaining parliamentary decorum and adhering to established protocols.
Senate spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu raised a motion under Senate Orders 1(b) and 10, criticizing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s “extreme intransigence” during the February 20 plenary session. He highlighted that the matter has dominated media discourse, prompting him to address concerns regarding the public image of the 10th Senate.
“The Senate is not a platform for content creation but a place for lawmaking and oversight,” Adaramodu stated, urging leadership to enforce discipline. “Where there is sin, there must be a penalty.”
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Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele supported Adaramodu, reaffirming the Senate’s commitment to order and integrity. He rejected claims of gender bias in the situation, noting that other senior senators accepted seat changes without issue.
In his ruling, Senate President Godswill Akpabio instructed the Ethics Committee to thoroughly review the incident and report back. Akpabio clarified that while senators can choose their seats, they must contribute to discussions from their designated areas. He suggested that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s unfamiliarity with Senate rules may have contributed to the discord.
“The first day she was sworn in, she stood up to contribute, which raised concerns about her knowledge of the rule book. Vibrancy is welcome, but disobeying procedure is not,” Akpabio commented.
He also reminded senators of the importance of maintaining decorum during sessions, citing Order 66(2) and Section 55 of Senate rules prohibiting distractions such as chewing gum or drinking water while in session.
As this disciplinary review unfolds, the Senate aims to reaffirm its commitment to integrity and procedural adherence in its legislative duties.
