By Gwurld4026 
Senate Spokesperson Akpoti Addresses Akpabio Clash
Tensions escalated in the Nigerian Senate on Thursday, February 20, 2025, following a dispute over seating arrangements involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The altercation began when Akpoti-Uduaghan refused to occupy her newly assigned seat, citing a breach of her privileges under Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules. In response, Akpabio directed the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove her from the chamber, leading to a heated exchange where Akpoti-Uduaghan declared, “I’m not afraid of you.”
Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions, emphasizing that the Senate is a place for serious legislative business, not content creation. He urged members to adhere to established protocols and decorum, stating that such disruptions could undermine the institution’s integrity.
The seating reassignment was reportedly due to recent defections by opposition lawmakers, necessitating adjustments in the chamber’s arrangement. Chief Whip Senator Mohammed Ali Monguno highlighted that compliance with allocated seating is mandatory, and non-compliance could result in a senator being barred from participating in proceedings.
This incident is the latest in a series of confrontations between Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate leadership. In July 2024, she spoke on a motion without obtaining Akpabio’s permission, leading to a rebuke from the Senate President. Additionally, her recent reassignment from chairing the Senate Committee on Local Content to the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations has sparked speculation about potential political motivations behind these changes.
For a visual account of the incident, you can watch the following news segment: