A mild drama played out on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday (today) during the birthday recognition of lawmakers born in December, as Senate President Godswill Akpabio marked his 63rd birthday.
Coincidentally, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, also shares the same birth date, December 9, and turned 47.
It is a standing tradition in the Senate for the President of the Senate to recognise and honour senators celebrating their birthdays by calling their names for acknowledgement and best wishes from colleagues.
On Tuesday, while reading out the names of senators born on December 9, Akpabio first called his own name. He then paused briefly before saying, “and another person, Distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.”
His tone drew laughter from senators across the chamber, especially as Akpabio himself chuckled while calling the name of his colleague.
While the moment appeared light-hearted, many lawmakers understood the underlying tension. Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan are not on cordial terms at the moment.
Just last week, their long-standing rift resurfaced online after Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed that Akpabio had filed a ₦200 billion lawsuit against her over a sexual harassment allegation she made.
Naijaonpoint recalls that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months by the Nigerian Senate following what was described as misconduct and violation of Senate Standing Rules (2023 as amended).
The suspension stemmed from a dispute over seating arrangements, which escalated into disorderly conduct during plenary sessions.
Amid the controversy, Akpoti-Uduaghan, on February 20, 2025, made a sexual harassment allegation against Akpabio. However, the Senate clarified that her suspension was strictly related to her conduct and not because of the allegation, which had brought negative attention to the chamber.
Since her resumption on October 7, Akpoti-Uduaghan has maintained a low profile on the Senate floor, a stark contrast to her previously active and visible presence before her fallout with the Senate leadership.
Both Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan have largely avoided each other in recent weeks, further underlining the strain in their relationship.
However, Tuesday’s birthday mention, though laced with laughter, was a rare moment of public acknowledgement between the two.
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