Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Thursday snubbed the Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Mace- symbol of Legislative authority.
The incident happened in the Senate Chamber when Akpabio was being ushered in by the Sergeant-at-arms with the Mace in front.
The legislative convention is that all members must stand up in deference to the authority conferred on the Senate President by the Mace in front of him as the Sergeant-at-arms chants: Mr President! at measured intervals.
But Natasha, who has personal grudges against Akpabio, snubbed him and the Mace by refusing to stand up in deference.
The Senate did not take Natasha’s act lightly.
The Senate strongly advised Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to respect and obey the rules and orders of the legislative institution.
Rising on Order 55(1), the Chief Whip of the Senate, Mohammed Monguno pointed out that “it is the Rules and Order of the Senate that when the Senate President is being ushered into the chamber by the Sergeant-at-arms, all senators must stand up”.
The chief whip regretted that Natasha disrespected the Rules and Order of the Senate on Wednesday and Thursday by refusing to stand up like other senators, as required, when Akpabio entered the chamber.
He called on the female lawmaker to abide by the rules, irrespective of any circumstances, noting that the institution must be protected at all costs.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio sustained the order and urged all senators to be guided.
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