The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has vowed to ensure that the upcoming probe by the Nigerian Senate is broadcast live.
According to her, Nigerians have the right to witness the proceedings.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was recently referred to the Senate’s Ethics and Disciplinary Committee following a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements in the chamber.
In a statement, she wrote, “Good morning, courageous people of Kogi Central, Kogi State, and Nigeria.
“This petition came to my notice a few hours ago. As much as I have refrained from publicly commenting on the matter and other occurrences in the Senate under President Akpabio, it is time to break my silence.
“Arise News, set a date, and I will be in your studio in person. Spare no questions. And to Nigerians, please be sure to join the probe, which I will insist must be covered live.
“The next few days and weeks will be interesting, but they will shape the standard and quality of Nigeria’s leadership.”
The disagreement stemmed from seat changes implemented by the Senate leadership.
The Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno defended the reshuffling, explaining that it was necessary to accommodate shifts in party alignments, particularly the movement of opposition senators to the majority wing.
Monguno emphasised that the decision fell within the Senate President’s constitutional prerogative and warned that failure to comply could result in penalties, including exclusion from discussions.
However, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan strongly opposed the changes and refused to comply.
Her resistance led to a tense standoff, culminating in her not being recognised when she attempted to speak.
Akpabio had ruled in favor of enforcing the seat changes, and when Senator Natasha insisted on addressing the chamber from her previous seat, he denied her the floor. “I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege,” the Kogi lawmaker protested.
Following the dispute, the Nigerian Senate unanimously voted to refer Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for disciplinary review.
The decision was reached through a voice vote on Tuesday, mandating the committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imaseun, to submit its findings within two weeks.
Senate spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu, who raised the motion under Orders 1(b) and 10, criticised Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions as “extreme intransigence” and argued that her defiance disrupted Senate decorum.
“Since that Thursday, the media has been filled with this issue, and I had to work on repairing the perception of the 10th Senate,” Adaramodu stated.
“The Senate is not a platform for content creation; it is a place for lawmaking and oversight functions. Where there is wrongdoing, there must be consequences.” Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, supported the motion, stressing the need to maintain order in the chamber.
“Everyone has an opinion on this issue, but we are united by our rules,” Bamidele remarked.
“We will not allow this institution to be discredited beyond what we have inherited. Integrity is non-negotiable.” He dismissed claims that gender bias played a role in the dispute, noting that other senior senators had accepted seat reassignments without objection.
The disciplinary committee’s report is expected to clarify whether Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions violated Senate rules and recommend any necessary sanctions.
Meanwhile, Senate President Akpabio had instructed the Committee on Ethics and Privileges to review the incident and report back to the chamber.
Akpabio acknowledged that while Senate rules allow members to sit anywhere, they must contribute from their designated seats.
