When the session of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria resumed on Tuesday, what began as a routine plenary soon spiralled into a tense showdown between two of its key figures: Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan and the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
As debate on a proposed motion – framed around the issue of sexual violence and how the senate should respond – drew to a close, Senator Akpoti‑Uduaghan raised her hand and insisted she be allowed to speak. But when the presiding officer appeared to bypass her intervention, she raised her voice in the chamber: “Let me speak — I’m a woman!”
The plea echoed through the chamber, prompting murmurs among her colleagues. Senator Akpoti‑Uduaghan stressed that the topic—rape and gender‑based violence—cut across her experience as a woman and as a lawmaker, and that she needed to add her perspective.
Before the exchange escalated further, Adams Oshiomhole rose to restore order, reminding the Senate of the adopted Rules of Order and pointing out that the motion under discussion had formally been concluded.
With his intervention, the chair declared that the floor had officially been closed and the attempt to reopen discussion would not be entertained.
Observers noted that this is not the first time Senator Akpoti‑Uduaghan has clashed with Senate leadership over opportunity to speak in major debates.
The latest episode underscores fault lines in the 10th Senate: between asserted rights of female legislators and the structural norms of floor management.
Also Read: Court Nullifies Ebonyi LG Elections, Sacks 13 APC Chairmen and 171 Councillors
On social media, Nigerians offered mixed views. Some applauded Senator Akpoti‑Uduaghan’s insistence that women’s voices not be sidelined in national law‑making.
Others sided with the presiding officer, pointing to the need for order and decorum in the chamber.
As the Senate continues its business, this dramatic moment leaves open questions: Will there be reforms to floor‑access rules? Will more women lawmakers assert their right to intervene in debates on issues that affect them directly? And can leadership adapt to evolving demands for inclusive participation? Tuesday’s plenary suggests the conversation in the Senate chambers is far from over.
