BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
Fresh evidence has emerged on why the Senate President Godswill Akpabio ordered Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan out of plenary.
Akpabio represents Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District while Akpoti-Uduaghan represents Kogi Central at the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly.
A heated arguement had erupted during Thursday’s plenary session when Akpoti-Uduaghan protested the reallocation of her seat by Akpabio, with her nameplate removed.
Not satified with the seating arrangement, Akpoti-Uduaghan demanded an explanation over the injustice meted to her.
Worried by the heated arguement, the Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) and other colleagues offered to resolve the isssue.
However, the Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno also raised a point of order, citing sections of the Senate rule book to justify the reassignment of seats.
Monguno disclosed that the changes were necessary to accommodate shifts caused by some opposition members that moved to the majority wing.
He stated that the changes were within the constitutional prerogative of the Senate President.
Monguno hinted that failure to comply with the new seating arrangement could lead to penalties, including the possibility of being barred from participating in discussions on the Senate floor.
The Senate President upheld their position and ruled in favor of the order. But when Senator Natasha raised her hand to speak, she was denied recognition because she failed to address the chamber from her newly assigned seat.
While referencing Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules that protects members’ privileges, Akpoti-Uduaghan begged Akpabio to allow her voice out her concerns.
Instead, Akpabio declined her request and proceeded with the plenary, a protest that prompted Senate security officials, including the Sergeant-at-Arms to call the visibly angry Akpoti-Uduaghan to order.
Not satisfied with the explanations, Senator Natasha raised her voice in protest, directly confronting the Senate President.
"I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege," Akpoti-Uduaghan added.
Ruling on the issue, Akpabio enjoined all senators to exercise restraint, adding that seat allocation follows established rules and is subject to adjustments as necessary.
"I want the public to understand that our proceedings are governed by rules and the Constitution. Seat reallocation is a routine practice, not an act of bias or exclusion.
"Movement within the chamber is part of our legislative functions, I want the public to understand that we do not act haphazardly, these adjustments will happen from time to time.
"Anyone who seeks to make laws must also be prepared to follow them. Distinguished senators, let us focus on the responsibilities that brought us here," he said.
Quoting Section 6(1) and (2) of the Senate Standing Orders, he pointed out that while senators must speak from their designated seats, the allocations could be modified at the discretion of the Senate President.
He pleaded with all aggrieved parties to temper justice with mercy and focus on legislative duties rather than internal disputes.
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