Ireti Kingibe criticises Natasha for not following Senate rules

Ireti Kingibe, a senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, has criticised her colleague Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for not following Senate rules regarding a seating reassignment.

The controversy began when Senate President Godswill Akpabio reassigned Natasha’s seat, prompting a dramatic protest from her during a plenary session.

Natasha accused Akpabio of denying her privileges and later alleged sexual harassment ¹.

Kingibe expressed disappointment in Natasha’s handling of the situation, pointing out that other senators, including women, have faced similar seating changes without incident.

She emphasized that the Senate should not be a place for trivial disputes, urging compliance with institutional rules. Kingibe acknowledged that the Senate may not be entirely gender-friendly but noted improvements over time.

Kingibe’s comments reflect a desire for unity and adherence to Senate decorum amid ongoing discussions about gender dynamics within the legislative body.

She appealed to women, saying, “We have to follow the rules of the institution we choose to enter” .