Nigerian Senators from Kogi State have tendered apologies to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio over the heated argument that ensued between him and the lawmaker representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District, Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
DAILY POST recalls that there was a rowdy section at the upper chamber on Thursday during plenary proceedings as Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, refused to use the seat allocated to her.
The female lawmaker, who cited Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules, which according to her, protects the privileges of members, argued that her seat cannot be changed without her notice.
Refusing to comply with the new seat arrangement, the female lawmaker challenged the decision, sparking a heated exchange in the chamber.
A viral video clip captured Natasha challenging the Senate President, saying, “I am not afraid of you.”
However, when normalcy returned to the House, the Kogi Senate Caucus led by Isah Jibrin of the All Progressives Congress, APC begged Akpabio for forgiveness.
Senator Jibrin, who assured Akpabio and the entire House that such incidents will not be repeated, said the allocation of seats was lawful.
The senator representing Kogi East attributed the drama to the recent defection of some lawmakers, stating that after the defection, “there was a need to reallocate the seats accordingly”.
He said, “Your Excellency, I want to refer to this order 6 which says that the president of the Senate shall allocate a seat to each senator. A senator will only speak from the seat allocated to him. The president of the Senate shall change seat from time to time.
“An incident happened this morning that involved one of us from Kogi East, Senator Natasha Uduaga. I’m talking about it because I am also from Kogi East and I feel concerned.
“The recent movement of the senators is attributable mainly to the defection of Senator Ned Nwoko and Ezioa. As a result of the defection, there was a need to reallocate the seats accordingly. So the Senate President did what is expected of him.
“However, the reaction from my colleague senator from Kogi State this morning is uncalled for. I want to sincerely apologize on behalf of the Kogi Caucus to the Senate President and the entire Senate. This will not repeat itself again.
“It will not happen again under any scenario. We are going to counsel her and talk to her. We are here guided by the laws”.