Drama erupted in the Senate as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, walked out of a committee session following a heated exchange with Senator Patrick Ndubueze of Imo North during the Ministry of Steel’s budget defence.
The incident occurred during an interactive session with the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, following nearly four hours of deliberations.
The confrontation began when Ndubueze, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Steel Development, attempted to conclude the minister’s appearance, signalling the end of questioning by striking the gavel.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who had been pressing for further clarifications on ministry matters, objected, insisting on her right to speak.
Akpoti-Uduaghan eventually walked out of the session, highlighting tensions over the management of the budget defence proceedings.
The walkout underscores procedural frictions in Nigeria’s Senate.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of only four female senators in the 10th Senate, has been a vocal advocate on issues such as women’s rights and economic development.
This is not her first controversy in the Senate.
The Kogi lawmaker was suspended on March 6, 2025, for six months over allegations of gross misconduct and violation of Senate standing rules.
The suspension, which included withdrawal of her salary, allowances, and security aides, ran from March 6 to September 6, 2025. She resumed duties following the recess and related legal proceedings.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also previously accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, an allegation the Senate ethics committee dismissed on procedural grounds.
The Court of Appeal later upheld the Senate’s suspension in February 2026, ruling that it was within its constitutional powers.
