Senate Investigates Clash Between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio Amid Legal Battle
The Nigerian Senate has officially launched an investigation into the heated altercation between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio over a controversial seating arrangement.
The dispute, which occurred on February 20, saw Akpoti-Uduaghan engage in a tense exchange with Akpabio after her designated seat was changed, sparking widespread attention. Following the confrontation, the Kogi Central senator was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for further review.
In a dramatic turn of events, Akpoti-Uduaghan responded by filing a staggering ₦100 billion defamation lawsuit against the Senate President on February 25, escalating tensions within the legislative chamber.
Despite the ongoing probe, Akpoti-Uduaghan was notably absent as the ethics committee, chaired by Labour Party senator Neda Imaseun, commenced its hearing at 2 p.m. However, proceedings faced a legal roadblock after a Federal High Court in Abuja issued a restraining order preventing the committee from moving forward with disciplinary actions against her.
Nevertheless, the panel went ahead with testimonies against Akpoti-Uduaghan, including statements from Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu, Rules and Business Committee Chairman Titus Zam, and the sergeant-at-arms.
