On Thursday, February 20, the Nigerian Senate experienced a significant disruption. When Senate President Godswill Akpabio ordered the removal of the lawmaker representing Kogi Central from the chamber.
The uproar stemmed from a dispute regarding the seating arrangements of senators in the Upper Chamber. Specifically, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had her seat reassigned as part of an approved rearrangement. However, the Kogi lawmaker, whose identity was not mentioned, refused to accept this change. She continued to occupy her original seat.
As tensions escalated, the Senate’s Chief Whip, Ali Monguno, highlighted the issue. He drew Akpabio’s attention to what he deemed an “improper seating position” occupied by Akpoti-Uduaghan. At this juncture, Monguno had just finished presenting a point of order. The Kogi lawmaker then began raising her voice. She attempted to voice her concerns about the situation.
In response to the increasing commotion, the Senate’s sergeant-at-arms intervened. They surrounded the Kogi lawmaker. Their goal was to escort her out of the plenary session. A video shared by Politics Nigeria captured the moment. The lawmaker vocally contested the decision. She was surrounded and urged to settle down. This incident highlights the intense emotions and conflicts that can arise within legislative proceedings.