Akpabio Asks Colleague to Forgive Senator Natasha Over Conduct

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has pleaded with the Chairman of Senate Services, Sen. Steve Karimi, to forgive his colleague from Kogi State, Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, for her conduct on the floor of the Red Chamber.

A heated argument broke out in the Senate on Thursday after Senator Natasha protested the reallocation of her seat.

The incident began when Sen. Natasha, who represents Kogi Central, discovered her seat had been changed without prior notice. Upset by the change, she removed her name tag from the new seat and placed it back on her original seat. Her frustration grew louder as she accused the Chairman of Senate Services, Sen. Steve Karimi of Kogi West, of being behind the seat reallocation. 

Sen. Karimi, visibly angered by the accusation, raised a “matter of privilege” on the Senate floor. He urged the Senate to refer the issue to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges for investigation, saying his rights as a senator had been violated by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public outburst. 

“Earlier this morning before sitting, there was an uproar in the chamber over the change of seats,” Karimi explained. “The President of the Senate has the power to change seats at any time without prior notice. Sen. Samson Ekong was the first person who approached me regarding the change of seats, and I told him I wasn’t even aware. 

“Before long, Sen. Natasha was shouting my name all over the place. I want to say that my privilege has been breached,” he added. 

Karimi further expressed disappointment, reminding the Senate how the Kogi caucus had supported Akpoti-Uduaghan when she first joined the chamber. 

“When she arrived here, we fought for her to ensure she got a chairmanship position. I don’t understand why the chamber should be turned upside down over seating arrangements. I want her to come out and apologize to us,” Karimi stated firmly. 

Senate President Akpabio eventually intervened.

“I can see that you feel very hurt. You came under Order 10 of our rules. This is the Nigerian Senate. The matter, according to our rules, is to be referred to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges,” Akpabio said while addressing Karimi. 

“I appeal that we do not go further. The matter will be dealt with at the appropriate time,” Akpabio added.