The Senate on Thursday admonished Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to adhere to the rules and orders of the legislative institution. The reminder came after the Chief Whip of the Senate, Mohammed Monguno, raised concerns about her failure to stand when Senate President Godswill Akpabio entered the chamber.
Rising on Order 55(1), Monguno emphasized that it is a requirement of the Senate’s Rules and Orders for all senators to stand when the Senate President is ushered into the chamber by the Sergeant-at-Arms. He expressed regret that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had disregarded this rule on both Wednesday and Thursday, refusing to stand like her colleagues.
Monguno called on the lawmaker to abide by the Senate’s rules, regardless of any circumstances, stressing that the institution’s integrity must be protected at all costs.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio sustained the order and urged all senators to be guided by the rules and traditions of the legislative body.
DAILY MENTOR reports that the incident highlights the importance of maintaining decorum and respect for institutional protocols within the Senate, even amid internal disagreements or tensions. The Senate’s reminder underscores its commitment to upholding its rules and ensuring the smooth functioning of its proceedings.