The Nigerian Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu has criticized fellow senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following a heated disagreement over seating arrangements in the Senate chamber.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, saw Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Senator representing Kogi Central under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), refuse to occupy her designated seat. She cited Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules, which safeguards members’ privileges.
The situation escalated when Senate President Godswill Akpabio instructed security personnel to remove her from the chamber. In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan stood her ground, stating, “I’m not afraid of you,” before other lawmakers intervened to prevent further confrontation.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Adaramodu, who represents Ekiti South Senatorial District, criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s approach, emphasizing that the National Assembly is meant for governance, not entertainment.
“What we are saying is that the National Assembly is not for content creation in entertainment. The National Assembly is for serious business,” he stated.
He also dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims of being bullied or sidelined, noting that she, despite being a first-time senator, chairs three committees—a privilege usually reserved for more senior lawmakers.
“If she is talking about being bullied or sidelined, as a first-timer, she even has three committees that she was appointed as chairman. Normally, you are entitled to only one committee, and she is in charge of Foreign Affairs, NGOs now,” he added.While there were speculations about possible disciplinary action, Adaramodu disclosed that Senator Isah Jubril (Kogi State) had already issued an apology on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s behalf, suggesting that the issue might not escalate further.
The incident has sparked mixed reactions, with some calling for Senate President Akpabio’s removal over his handling of the matter, while others argue that Akpoti-Uduaghan should adhere to Senate rules.
