Senate President Godswill Akpabio has reminded Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) that the chamber was not a nightclub, and she must be recognized before speaking.
The exchange occurred during a heated debate on a bill to establish the National Road Transport Council.
The bill, sponsored by Deputy Senate Leader Senator Oyelola Ashiru (APC, Kwara South), aimed to regulate the road transport industry.
While some senators supported the bill, others, including Senators Victor Umeh and Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North), opposed it, citing concerns about duplicating existing agencies’ functions.
As the debate intensified, Senator Akpabio called for a voice vote, which resulted in a split decision.
Senator Natasha, who had earlier suggested considering water transportation, stood up without permission to seek clarification.
She said, “Mr President, we don’t want the bill to be killed, we just want a bit of clarification. We don’t want the bill killed, but it should be slightly modified.”
To this, Akpabio replied, “Distinguished Senator Natasha, in the chamber, you have to be recognised before you speak. We are not in a nightclub.”
In a quick response, Senator Natasha said, “Oh, pardon me.”
