Disruption in Senate Plenary Over Unauthorized Seating Change

Babatunji Wusu –

• Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central Senatorial District caused a disruption during Thursday’s plenary session.
• The incident began when Senator Mohammed Ali Monguno raised a point of order about Akpoti-Uduaghan’s “improper seating position.”
• Akpoti-Uduaghan responded with a loud confrontation, prompting the Sergeant-at-Arms to intervene and attempt to escort her out.
• The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, struggled to restore order as Akpoti-Uduaghan demanded an explanation for the seating change.
• The situation was eventually resolved when the public address systems were turned off, and the session resumed.

During Thursday’s plenary session, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central Senatorial District disrupted proceedings due to a seating dispute. As the session progressed under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chief Whip Senator Mohammed Ali Monguno raised a point of order regarding what he described as Akpoti-Uduaghan’s “improper seating position.” Before Monguno could finish, Akpoti-Uduaghan erupted in protest, escalating tensions in the chamber.

The confrontation led to intervention by the Sergeant-at-Arms, who attempted to escort the senator from the chamber. Despite efforts by the Senate President to restore order, Akpoti-Uduaghan insisted on an explanation for the alteration of her seat without prior approval. Eventually, the situation was controlled when the public address systems were turned off, allowing the session to continue.