Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have dispersed supporters of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, who had gathered at the National Assembly Complex in protest.
The supporters, who had assembled at the assembly gate as early as 8 a.m. on the day of Senate plenary, were met with tear gas by police officers in an effort to maintain law and order.
The protest was linked to the Senate’s scheduled hearing of the Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions Committee, which was expected to review the controversial clash between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements on February 20. The senator was subsequently referred to the Ethics Committee for disciplinary action following the incident.
As the police cleared the protesters from the National Assembly gate, they relocated to the Unity Fountain to continue their demonstration.
The protest follows a series of tensions between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio. Last Friday, the Kogi lawmaker accused the Senate President of sexual harassment, claiming he had maligning intentions after she rejected his alleged sexual advances. These allegations have added another layer of controversy to the ongoing political standoff.
