Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, arrived at the Senate Chamber on Wednesday alongside her husband as plenary resumed after a one-week recess.
In a brief but affectionate moment, her husband gave her a kiss before she proceeded to her seat, which has been at the center of ongoing controversy.
The dispute over her seating arrangement has created tensions within the Senate, with Akpoti-Uduaghan accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of misconduct. Akpabio has denied any wrongdoing, but the situation has sparked discussions about decorum within the chamber.
As plenary commenced, all eyes were on Akpoti-Uduaghan as she took her seat, determined to carry on with her legislative duties despite the controversy surrounding her.
Meanwhile, supporters of the Kogi lawmaker gathered at the National Assembly, coinciding with the start of an investigation by the Ethics Committee, led by Senator Neda Imaseun, into allegations that Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to adhere to Senate rules.
During the protest, security personnel deployed tear gas, but the demonstrators remained steadfast, regrouping and continuing their call for action.
The protesters accused the Senate President of attempting to suppress women’s voices and called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene. They emphasized that the issue at hand is a matter of human rights and should not be ignored.
