“Court-Declared Senators Are a Problem for the Senate” – Akpabio Taunts Natasha

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has described senators who regain their mandates through the courts as a challenge to the Senate. His remarks came on Tuesday while addressing the controversy surrounding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central, who has been referred to the Senate disciplinary panel over her reaction to the reallocation of her seat in the chamber.

Akpabio also directed the National Assembly management to conduct periodic orientation programs for senators who assume office mid-term. He emphasized the need for these lawmakers to familiarize themselves with Senate procedures, recalling that Akpoti-Uduaghan had requested to speak immediately after being sworn in, despite just receiving the rule book.

The dispute arose after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat was reassigned without her consent, moving her from the minority section to the last row. She resisted the change, an action that was deemed a violation of Senate rules. As a result, Akpabio announced that she would face the disciplinary panel, which will investigate the matter and report back to the chamber.