Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu criticizes Senator Natasha Akpoti-uduaghan for confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio , to redistribute seats.
The dispute was filed Thursday after Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, refused to accept her new seat allocation. She cited the 10th order of the Senate regular rules to insist on protecting her privileges. Read here
After the reorganization, some opposition members rebelled against the ruling party, resulting in changes in seat arrangements. But Akpoti-Uduaghan boycotted the move, accusing Senate leadership of trying to suppress her voice.
“I don’t care if I’m silent. I’m not afraid of you. You deny my privilege.” She shouted to the Senate president during a fierce exchange.
As tensions escalated, Akpabio directed the sergeant armed sergeant to remove Akpoti-uduaghan from the room, but several MPs intervened.
Respond to the incident during an interview on channel TV Sunrise every dayAdaramodu dismissed the claim that the senator was marginalized and insisted that the legislature was a place for serious work, not a drama.
“We’re talking about the National Assembly not for creating content or entertainment. The National Assembly is for serious business,” he said.
He also argued that Akpoti-uduaghan was not eliminated, despite being the first Senator, her multiple committee appointments highlighted her multiple committee appointments.
“If she talks about being bullied or being eliminated, as a beginner, she even has three committees appointed to chair. You have the right to serve as chairperson only one committee, but she is now responsible for foreign affairs and NGOs.”
Adaramodu further pointed out that the Senate will not revisit the dispute because Senator Isah Jubril, also from Kogi, has apologized for Akpoti-uduaghan on behalf of Akpoti-uduaghan.
He added: “The entire Senate has accepted an apology for this tender, so we are not going to revisit that.”
