Drama as Akpabio orders Natasha out of chamber

A dramatic confrontation unfolded in the Senate on Thursday when Senate President Godswill Akpabio instructed the Sergeant-at-Arms to escort Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central out of the chamber.

The incident was sparked by a report from Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Monguno, who informed the chamber that Uduaghan, had refused to move to a newly assigned seat.

Monguno explained that the seat reassignment was necessary to fill gaps left by two opposition senators who recently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Referencing Senate Order 24, Monguno emphasised his role as Chief Whip, while also citing Order 6, which grants the Senate President authority to assign and reassign seats as needed.

He further pointed out that senators are expected to speak only from their designated seats, giving Akpabio the power to deny recognition to anyone speaking from an unassigned position.

In protest, Senator Uduaghan stood up from her original seat, invoking Order 10, claiming her privileges had been violated.

However, Akpabio swiftly ruled her out of order, affirming that she could not be recognised while speaking from an unauthorised location.

When Senator Natasha raised her hand to speak, she was denied recognition by the Senate President for not addressing the chamber from her newly assigned seat.

Unwilling to relent, Senator Natasha vocalised her objection, openly challenging the Senate President’s decision.

She said: “I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege.

“I'm not afraid of further being silenced. I will not be shoved into the corner. As the Senator duly elected by my people, I choose to remain in this seat, come what may. The worst you will do Mr. Senate president is to suspend me."

Source: X | AIT_Online
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*PRESS STATEMENT*

*Re: Alleged Defection of 27 Lagos Assembly Members to Labour Party*

The Lagos State House of Assembly wishes to categorically debunk the malicious and unfounded publication alleging that twenty-seven members of the Assembly are planning to defect from the ruling party to the opposition Labour Party (LP). This publication is entirely false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public.

We find this report not only offensive but also riddled with inaccuracies and outright falsehoods that serves no purpose other than to sow discord and confusion within the Assembly and among the good people of Lagos State.

The recent developments in the House, including the removal of the erstwhile Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, and the election of Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as the new Speaker, are purely internal matters. These actions were carried out in accordance with the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria as Amended.

These events in no way suggest any intention by members to leave the party. We emphasize, without any ambiguity, that no member of the Assembly is contemplating defection.

We were elected under the Leadership of the Ruling Party, The ruling party remains united and focused on delivering its mandate to the people of Lagos State. The falsehood being spread originates from agents of destabilization who seek to create unnecessary tension and division within the Assembly.

To our party leaders and supporters across the state, we assure you that all members remain committed to the party.

Furthermore, we reaffirm that any internal disagreements within the House will be resolved amicably through peaceful and democratic mechanisms. There is no crisis that warrants any member considering defection.

We also call on all media partners to uphold the ethics of journalism by verifying facts before publication and refraining from spreading unverified reports that could mislead the public.

E- Signed

Hon. (Otunba) Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode
Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security
Lagos State House of Assembly