There was tension in the Nigerian Senate today when Senate President Godswill Akpabio ordered Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to leave the chambers. The argument started after she refused to move to a new seat assigned to her.

According to Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno, the seat reassignment was necessary after two opposition senators defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He cited Senate rules that allow the Senate President to reassign seats and deny recognition to senators speaking from unauthorized seats.

However, Senator Natasha opposed the decision, arguing that her rights were being violated. She tried to speak from her original seat but was ruled out of order by Akpabio. Frustrated, she accused him of deliberately silencing her and blocking her bills from progressing.

“I am not afraid of you,” she told Akpabio. “Do whatever you deem fit, but I will not leave this seat. My voice will not be silenced.”

She boldly declared that she would not be intimidated and that even if she were suspended, she would continue representing her people in Kogi Central. She also accused Akpabio of discrimination and unfair treatment.

The situation calmed down after some senators stepped in to mediate. This is not the first time Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Godswill Akpabio have had heated exchanges in the Senate.

Stay tuned for more updates on Nigerian politics.