The Senate has directed its Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions Committee to investigate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following a disagreement over seating arrangements in the chamber.
The decision was made through a voice vote on Tuesday after lawmakers revisited the February 20 incident, where Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed with the Senate leadership over her assigned seat.
The committee, led by Senator Neda Imaseun, has been given two weeks to examine the issue and submit a report.
Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu raised a motion under Senate Orders 1(b) and 10, criticizing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions and stating that the controversy had drawn public attention.
He insisted that the Senate should maintain order and discipline among its members.
Supporting this position, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele stated that the chamber must preserve its integrity.
He rejected claims that gender bias played a role in the dispute, explaining that other senior senators had accepted seat adjustments without protest.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed the Ethics Committee to conduct a thorough review.
He pointed out that while senators can sit anywhere, they must make contributions from their designated seats.
Akpabio suggested that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s unfamiliarity with Senate procedures might have caused the incident.
Citing Senate Order 66(2) and Section 55, he reminded lawmakers of the need to follow rules, including prohibitions on chewing gum, drinking water, or being disruptive during sessions.
The committee’s findings are expected in two weeks.
