- Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was seen confronting Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a plenary session after being ejected
- Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed repeated discrimination by Akpabio, emphasising her right to speak in the Senate despite her suspension
- The viral video has stirred online debates, with some accusing Akpabio of arrogance, while others questioned Natasha’s approach
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's confrontation with Senate President Akpabio has sparked widespread reactions after a viral video emerged of the heated exchange, with online commentators voicing strong opinions on both sides of the incident.
In the footage, which surfaced on social media on Thursday, February 20, Akpoti-Uduaghan the Senator for Kogi Central was heard saying, “I’m not afraid of you” as she was ejected from the chamber by Akpabio.
She said in part, “Any Senator may rise at any time to speak upon a matter.”
“Mr Senate President, I am not afraid, the fact that I am suspended does not mean I will not contribute my quota to the development of my people.”
Natasha clashes with Akpabio over seating arrangement
The session, which was presided over by Akpabio, took a dramatic turn when Chief Whip Senator Mohammed Ali Monguno raised a point of order regarding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seating arrangement.
As Monguno made his submission, Akpoti-Uduaghan interrupted, demanding an explanation for the change in her seat. "Why was my seat moved without my consent?" she asked, refusing to back down despite efforts to quiet her.
The exchange escalated quickly, prompting Akpabio to direct the Sergeant-at-Arms to escort her out of the plenary.
In a subsequent statement, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused the Senate President of deliberately silencing her voice and claimed that she had endured repeated discrimination from him.
She added that she had been denied multiple opportunities to present bills for a second reading. Despite the ejection, she emphasised that she would not leave her seat.
Public backlash mounts against viral Senate confrontation
Efforts to restore order proved difficult, with tensions rising in the chamber. The situation was eventually de-escalated when the public address systems were turned off.
The video has sparked widespread reactions. One user on X (formerly Twitter) criticised Akpabio, stating, "Sometimes I wonder if Akpabio thinks the Nigerian Senate is his private residence or lounge. His arrogance and recklessness are beyond comprehension.
From Evans Enwerem to Ahmad Lawan, no Senate President has abused the institution the way Akpabio has. Ejecting the representatives of the people from the Senate is absolutely unacceptable."
Another user expressed mixed feelings, saying, "I didn't support the sp action But must she scream at the sp... sometimes let's speak the truth."
Nigerians react as Akpabio apologises to Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over 'night club' comment
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Senator Akpabio apologised to Senator Natasha over a derogatory comment made during plenary.
Some Nigerians emphasised he was noble with his apology, while others thought it was still rude.