This is a case of Senate Politics and power struggles. The Nigerian Senate has recently been the center of public attention following a confrontation between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio over a routine seat reassignment. What started as an administrative change quickly escalated into a heated dispute, leading to her referral to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
This unfolding situation raises important questions about parliamentary procedures, political power dynamics, and whether gender bias plays a role in the handling of legislative discipline.
On February 20, 2025, during a Senate session, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was asked to vacate her seat as part of a chamber re-organization. However, she resisted, arguing that the reassignment was a strategic move to undermine her influence in the Senate.
The disagreement escalated into a direct confrontation with the Senate leadership, drawing significant media attention. In response, the Senate unanimously voted to refer her case to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, to determine whether disciplinary measures should be taken.
SENATE STANDING RULES ON SEATING ARRANGEMENTS
The Senate’s Standing Orders grant the Senate President the authority to assign and reassign seats to senators as necessary. Specifically:
Section 6(1): Empowers the Senate President to allocate seats to senators and make adjustments when deemed necessary.
Section 6(2): Mandates that senators must speak from the seats assigned to them to be recognized during sessions.
The Standing Rules of the Nigerian Senate outline members’ conduct, disciplinary actions, and procedural changes. If the Ethics Committee finds her actions disruptive or in violation of Senate rules, she could face penalties ranging from a formal warning to suspension.
Furthermore, Sections 62(1) and 88(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) empower the National Assembly to create committees and delegate functions, including disciplinary measures. The Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions is legally mandated to investigate matters referred to it and recommend appropriate action.
DEFAMATION LAWSUIT AGAINST SENATE PRESIDENT AKPABIO
Adding another layer to the controversy, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a defamation lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his Senior Legislative Aide, Mfon Patrick.
She is seeking N1.3 billion in damages, alleging that defamatory statements made by Akpabio and published by his aide on social media harmed her reputation. If pursued, this lawsuit could further strain relationships within the Senate and impact ongoing legislative deliberations.
THE ROLE OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON ETHICS, PRIVILEGES, AND PUBLIC PETITIONS
The Ethics Committee, currently handling Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case, plays a crucial role in maintaining discipline within the Senate.
Key Members of the Committee:
Senator Neda Imasuen (Edo South) – Chairman
Senator Ibrahim Khalid (Kaduna North) – Deputy Chairman Senator Adeniyi Adegbomire (Ondo Central) – Member Senator Kingibe Ireti Heebah (FCT) – Member
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North) – Member
Senator Titus Tartenger Zam (Benue North West) – Member Senator Fadahunsi Adenigba Francis (Osun East) – Member
This committee is expected to conclude its investigation within two weeks and recommend disciplinary action if necessary.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
The outcome of the committee’s investigation will determine the next steps:
If found guilty, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan could face disciplinary action, including suspension from Senate proceedings. If cleared, it could set a precedent for challenging parliamentary decisions.
Her defamation lawsuit against Akpabio could further escalate tensions within the Senate.
This case serves as a critical test of the balance between political power and legislative discipline in Nigeria.
The coming weeks will determine whether this is a genuine attempt to uphold order in the Senate or a politically motivated move to silence an outspoken senator.
