The Senate has referred Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for disciplinary review following a heated dispute over her seating arrangement.
The Kogi senator had engaged in a verbal exchange on February 20 after discovering her seat had been reassigned without prior notice.
In response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed the ethics committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imaseun, to investigate and submit its report within two weeks.
During the session, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu condemned Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reaction, stating that the Senate must maintain order and discipline. He emphasised that “the Senate is not a platform for content creation but a place for lawmaking and oversight functions.”
Supporting the motion, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele stressed the importance of upholding Senate rules, rejecting claims that the dispute was driven by gender bias. He cited instances where senior lawmakers had accepted seat changes without protest.
Akpabio reminded senators that while they may sit anywhere, contributions must be made from assigned seats. He also noted that the Senate rule book outlines proper conduct, including restrictions on disruptive behaviour.
Quoting Senate Order 66(2) and Section 55, Akpabio stated, “The rules empower the Senate President to suspend a senator for infractions for at least 14 days.” He suggested that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reaction may have stemmed from unfamiliarity with Senate procedures.
The committee is expected to present its findings within two weeks.
