Senate cautions Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over alleged disrespect for legislative rules

The Nigerian Senate on Thursday issued a formal advisory to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central, urging her to respect and comply with the rules and traditions governing the legislative institution.

The development followed concerns raised by the Chief Whip of the Senate, Mohammed Monguno, who, citing Order 55(1), emphasized that it is a long-standing rule of the Senate that all senators must stand when the Senate President is being ushered into the chamber by the Sergeant-at-Arms.

Monguno expressed regret over what he described as Senator Natasha’s disregard for Senate protocol on both Wednesday and Thursday, alleging that she refused to rise with other lawmakers when Senate President Godswill Akpabio entered the chamber.

“The rules and order of the Senate clearly state that when the Senate President is being ushered into the chamber, all senators must stand as a mark of respect for the institution. Unfortunately, Senator Natasha has failed to comply with this tradition,” Monguno stated.

READ ALSO: Senator Ita-Giwa dismisses Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment allegations

The Chief Whip urged the female senator to adhere strictly to the established rules, emphasizing that institutional decorum and order must be preserved at all costs.

“It is imperative that every senator abides by the rules of the Senate, irrespective of personal circumstances or sentiments. The integrity of this institution must be upheld at all times,” he added.

In response to the matter, Senate President Godswill Akpabio sustained the order and reaffirmed the importance of legislative discipline and respect for tradition. He urged all senators to take note and be guided accordingly.

The incident has sparked discussions on the need for strict adherence to parliamentary decorum and whether individual lawmakers should have room for personal discretion in observing procedural rules.

However, with the Senate leadership taking a firm stance, lawmakers are expected to comply with existing legislative protocols going forward.