…‘I’m Not Afraid Of You’, Natasha Says As Akpabio Orders Her Out Of Senate Chamber
THERE was a mild drama in the Senate Thursday 20 February 2025 as the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio orders the.senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan out of the Chamber.
The heated exchange erupted after Senator Akpoti challenged Akpabio, asserting that her voice would not be silenced. Natasha declared to Akpabio, “I am not afraid of you.”
The incident began when Senator Natasha discovered her seat had been changed without prior notice. Upset by the change, she removed her name tag from the new seat and placed it back on her original seat. Her frustration grew louder as she accused the Chairman of Senate Services, Senator Steve Karimi (Kogi West) of being behind the seat reallocation.
In the process, the Senate’s Chief Whip, Ali Monguno drew the attention of Akpabio to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s “improper seating position”.
Monguno had at the time concluded a point of order before the Kogi lawmaker took to raising her voice to be heard on the matter.
It was at this point that the sergeant at arms surrounded the lawmaker to excuse her from the plenary.
Senator Karimi, visibly angered by the accusation, raised a “matter of privilege” on the Senate floor. He urged the Senate to refer the issue to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges for investigation, saying his rights as a senator had been violated by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public outburst.
“Earlier this morning before sitting, there was an uproar in the chamber over the change of seats”, Karimi explained. “The President of the Senate has the power to change seats at any time without prior notice. Sen. Samson Ekong was the first person who approached me regarding the change of seats, and I told him I wasn’t even aware.
“Before long, Sen. Natasha was shouting my name all over the place. I want to say that my privilege has been breached,” he added.
Karimi further expressed disappointment, reminding the Senate how the Kogi caucus had supported Akpoti-Uduaghan when she first joined the chamber.
“When she arrived here, we fought for her to ensure she got a chairmanship position. I don’t understand why the chamber should be turned upside down over sitting arrangements. I want her to come out and apologise to us,” Karimi stated firmly.
Senate President Akpabio eventually intervened.
“I can see that you feel very hurt. You came under Order 10 of our rules. This is the Nigerian Senate. The matter, according to our rules, is to be referred to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges,” Akpabio said while addressing Karimi.
“I appeal that we do not go further. The matter will be dealt with at the appropriate time”, Akpabio added.
Eighteen-Eleven Media