By Amah
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A Senate committee session erupted into drama on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, as a fiery exchange between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senator Patrick Ndubueze disrupted proceedings involving the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar Audu.
The confrontation, captured on video and shared by Voice TV Nigeria, unfolded in a tense standoff that drew the attention of colleagues and observers alike. The friction began when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan sought to make a contribution during the session, politely requesting, “Please, do you mind if I do so?”
Senator Ndubueze, presiding over the session, attempted to close the floor for the minister, responding, “Distinguished, let us call it a close for the Minister.” Undeterred, Akpoti-Uduaghan insisted, emphasising the importance of her input: “No, I’d like to, please, it’s very important, please.”
As Ndubueze attempted to redirect the proceedings, Akpoti-Uduaghan directly addressed Minister Audu, saying, “No, Honourable Minister, please, I’d like to say this…” Ndubueze’s repeated interventions, coupled with attempts to strike the gavel, escalated the tension. “I’ll give you respect. No, that’s not it. Mr. Minister, your time is up,” Ndubueze said, prompting Akpoti-Uduaghan to challenge the authority in real time: “No, please, do not hit the gavel. I still have something to say, and I think you should respect me enough. Please don’t do that.”
The stand-off climaxed as Ndubueze hit the gavel to signal the session’s closure. Akpoti-Uduaghan, visibly frustrated, stood and moved to leave, stating, “Thank you. Then that’s fine.” Ndubueze insisted she wait, but the senator shot back, “I think you’ve just disrespected me more than enough. You can’t do this to me. You can’t.”
The incident has sparked renewed discussion on decorum and gender dynamics in Nigeria’s legislative halls, highlighting the delicate balance between authority and the right of senators to contribute to critical national deliberations.
