Akpabio’s Shocking Order: ‘Mid-Stream’ Senators To Undergo Periodic Orientation

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has instructed the National Assembly management to implement periodic orientation sessions for senators who join midway through a legislative term.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

He emphasized the importance of these “mid-stream senators” becoming acquainted with Senate procedures to ensure smooth legislative proceedings.

Akpabio expressed concern over the challenges posed by senators who regain their seats through court rulings, affecting the Senate’s operations.

The Senate President made this statement on Tuesday while announcing that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, would be referred to the Senate disciplinary panel following her protest over a seat reallocation in the chamber.

He said, “The management of the National Assembly is directed to organize regular orientation sessions, especially for senators who enter mid-term and did not start alongside their colleagues.

“I recall that when this particular senator was sworn in, she immediately raised her hand to speak. I was taken aback but had to recognize her, thinking, ‘we’ve just handed her the rule book.’”

The dispute arose after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat was moved without her consent. Originally seated in the minority section, she was relocated to the last row, a change she vehemently opposed.

Her refusal to accept the new seating arrangement was considered a violation of Senate rules. Following the conflict, Akpabio confirmed that the senator would now face the disciplinary panel for investigation, which would report back to the Senate.