Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had refused to sit in the seat allocated to her on Thursday, citing Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules, which safeguards the privileges of members.
The situation escalated when Senate President Godswill Akpabio instructed Senate security to escort the female lawmaker out of the chamber, but the intervention of fellow lawmakers prevented further conflict.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Adaramodu, representing Ekiti South Senatorial District, emphasized that the Senate is a place for serious work, not entertainment. “What we are saying is that the National Assembly is not for content creation in entertainment. It is for serious business,” he stated.
Adaramodu also dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims of bullying, pointing out that as a first-time senator, she had been appointed chairperson of three committees, despite the usual rule that only one committee chairmanship is granted. “She is in charge of Foreign Affairs and NGOs, among others,” he noted.
However, Adaramodu ruled out disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan, stating that her Kogi State colleagues, particularly Senator Isah Jubril, had already apologized on her behalf. “The Senate has accepted the apology, and we won’t revisit the matter,” he concluded.
‘She wasn’t violent’
Cynthia Mbamalu, Director of Programs at Yiaga Africa, weighed in on the issue, claiming that Akpabio did not allow Akpoti-Uduaghan to speak, in violation of Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules, which grants members the right to be heard.
“Senators have made tougher and angrier agitations without facing such treatment,” Mbamalu added, criticizing the lack of tolerance for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s grievance.
