Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to Face Disciplinary Panel Over Altercation with Akpabio
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi State in the Nigerian Senate, is set to face disciplinary scrutiny over an altercation that occurred on the floor of the Senate on February 20, 2025. This altercation, which began as a dispute over seating arrangements, escalated into a shouting match between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. In response to the incident, the Senate has unanimously voted to refer the matter to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for review and further action.
The incident that led to the current disciplinary proceedings revolved around an altercation over seating arrangements in the Senate chamber. Akpoti-Uduaghan, who had been seated in a specific location, discovered that her seat had been moved without her consent. This caused significant frustration and led to an emotional outburst from the senator during the February 20 session. Akpoti-Uduaghan reportedly engaged in a shouting match with Akpabio, which disrupted the proceedings and drew considerable attention from both the media and the public.
The dispute centered on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s belief that her seat was reassigned arbitrarily and without consultation. According to her, she felt that this was an affront to her status and rights as a member of the Senate. However, some of her colleagues, including Senate leadership, believe that the matter was blown out of proportion and that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reaction was an overreaction to what they viewed as a relatively minor procedural issue.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s vocal disagreement with the seating arrangements quickly became a topic of public discussion, and the media coverage surrounding the incident added to the tension. Some lawmakers expressed concern that the altercation undermined the dignity of the Senate, while others believed that the issue was not significant enough to warrant such a public dispute. Despite these differing perspectives, the Senate leadership decided to take the matter seriously and refer it to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for further investigation.
Following the incident, the Senate leadership moved swiftly to address the situation. Senator Yemi Adaramodu, the Senate spokesperson, raised a motion under Orders 1(b) and 10 of the Senate rules, condemning Akpoti-Uduaghan’s behavior during the February 20 session. He described her actions as an example of “extreme intransigence” that could tarnish the image of the Senate and compromise its integrity.
Adaramodu explained that the media’s extensive coverage of the incident had painted a negative picture of the Senate, which, according to him, is “a place for lawmaking and oversight functions” and not a platform for creating sensational content. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the way the matter was handled, stressing that it was important to preserve the dignity and reputation of the Senate as a respected legislative institution.
Adaramodu called on the Senate leadership to enforce discipline within the chamber and reminded his colleagues that “where there is sin, there must be a penalty.” His remarks were in support of the view that the Senate needed to uphold its rules and internal order, even when it involved a sitting member of the chamber.
Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate leader, also supported the motion and emphasized the Senate’s commitment to its rules. He rejected suggestions that the dispute was rooted in gender bias or discrimination, pointing out that other senior senators had accepted seat changes without complaint. Bamidele argued that the Senate must remain unified by its rules and that integrity should not be compromised under any circumstances.
Bamidele further stated that it was crucial to maintain a high standard of decorum within the Senate, as the chamber’s operations depend on adherence to established procedures. He reminded the senators that there were clear guidelines for conduct, and any deviation from these rules could lead to disciplinary action.
In his own remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio weighed in on the situation, offering his perspective on the altercation. Akpabio recalled that Senate rules allow senators to sit anywhere in the chamber, but they must contribute from their designated seats, as specified by the Senate rules. He suggested that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s unfamiliarity with Senate procedures might have played a role in the altercation, and that her actions on the floor were driven by a lack of understanding of the chamber’s rules.
Akpabio further noted that, on her first day in the Senate, Akpoti-Uduaghan had stood up to make a contribution, and he had been concerned about whether she had fully read and understood the Senate rulebook. While Akpabio acknowledged that enthusiasm and vibrancy are welcome in the Senate, he emphasized that disobedience to procedural rules is unacceptable.
He referred to Order 66(2) and Section 55 of the Senate rules, which set out the expected conduct of senators, including prohibitions on disruptive behavior such as chewing gum, drinking water, or engaging in disorderly conduct during proceedings. Akpabio reiterated that the rules empower the Senate President to suspend any senator for infractions, for a period of at least 14 days, in order to maintain order and ensure that parliamentary proceedings are conducted with respect and decorum.
As per the decision made by the Senate, the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions is tasked with investigating the altercation and reviewing whether Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions violated any of the Senate’s rules or codes of conduct. The committee, which is chaired by Senator Neda Imaseun, has been given a two-week timeframe to report back with its findings and recommendations.
The committee’s review will likely involve interviews with the senators involved in the altercation, including Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio, as well as other senators who may have witnessed the incident. The committee will also examine the Senate’s rules and procedures to determine if any violations occurred during the session. If any misconduct is found, the committee will recommend appropriate disciplinary measures, which could include a suspension or other forms of punishment.
It is expected that the committee’s report will play a crucial role in determining the future course of action in the matter. The findings will be presented to the full Senate for discussion and approval, and the Senate will then decide whether to impose any sanctions on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The disciplinary process is an important part of maintaining order and discipline within the Senate, and it is hoped that the committee’s review will provide a fair and transparent assessment of the events surrounding the altercation. In addition, the outcome of the investigation will likely serve as a reminder to all senators about the importance of adhering to Senate rules and maintaining respect for the institution’s authority.
The altercation between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio quickly gained widespread attention in the media, sparking public debates about the role of women in Nigerian politics, as well as the internal workings of the Senate. Some observers have suggested that the incident might be indicative of broader issues within the Senate, including the challenge of balancing gender dynamics and maintaining discipline.
On the other hand, critics of the Senate leadership have pointed to what they perceive as an overreaction to a relatively minor issue. They argue that the seating dispute could have been resolved more amicably, without the need for a public confrontation or disciplinary proceedings. Some have raised concerns about the potential for the incident to overshadow the Senate’s work and damage its public image.
As the disciplinary process moves forward, the media will likely continue to monitor developments closely, and public opinion may shift depending on the outcome of the investigation. For now, the focus remains on the Senate’s commitment to upholding its rules and maintaining order within the chamber.
The altercation between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio over a seating dispute has led to a significant disciplinary review by the Senate. With Akpoti-Uduaghan now facing scrutiny from the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, the incident has highlighted the importance of adherence to Senate rules and the need for maintaining decorum in parliamentary proceedings.
As the committee investigates the matter and prepares its report, the Senate leadership remains committed to ensuring that the institution is not discredited and that its rules are respected by all members. Whether or not disciplinary action is taken, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by lawmakers in balancing personal differences with their responsibilities as elected representatives of the people. The Senate’s handling of this matter will be watched closely, and its response will shape perceptions of its commitment to upholding the highest standards of parliamentary conduct.
