Former Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has weighed in on the ongoing seat arrangement dispute between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, stating that the issue should not be reduced to a gender matter. Shaibu, a former federal lawmaker, emphasized that seats and offices in the National Assembly are privileges that require lobbying and adherence to the rules of the House.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Wednesday, Shaibu drew from his experience as a former member of the House of Representatives and the Edo State House of Assembly to explain the dynamics of securing seats and offices in the legislature. He stressed that the dispute should be resolved based on the rules of the Senate rather than being framed as a gender issue.
Seats and Offices Are Privileges, Not Rights
Shaibu explained that securing a preferred seat or office in the National Assembly is not a right but a privilege that requires lobbying. “When I was in the National Assembly, it was the prerogative of the leadership of the House to allocate offices and seats. In the House, there is what is called lobbying; you lobby for everything,” he said.
He shared his personal experience, stating, “For you to have a good office when you come in, maybe because of my experience as a two-term member of the Edo State House of Assembly, when I came to Abuja from day one, I went quickly to lobby to check the kind of offices and locations available. I was able to lobby to have my office close to where I wanted it, and I hurriedly lobbied for where I wanted to sit. Whereas some people who are coming for the first time did not know that you lobby for things like that.”
Rules of the House Are Clear
Shaibu emphasized that the rules governing seat and office allocations in the National Assembly are clear and apply to all lawmakers, regardless of gender. “There are rules; the rules of the House are clear, and you must be guided by them. It doesn’t matter whether you are a man or a woman. The rules are meant for the House,” he said.
He added, “The issue of seats and offices is a privilege. For me, I don’t think this is a gender thing; I think there is a miscommunication somewhere, and we should abide by the rules of the House. The rules are clear and are not meant for women nor are they meant for men.”
Background of the Dispute
The dispute between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio began on February 20, 2025, when Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, rejected her assigned seat in the Senate. She accused Akpabio of harassment and filed a N100 billion defamation suit against him. The Senate President, in turn, referred her to the Senate Disciplinary Committee.
This is not the first time the two lawmakers have clashed. In July 2024, Akpabio apologized to Akpoti-Uduaghan over a controversial nightclub comment he made about her. The latest dispute has reignited debates about gender dynamics and power struggles in Nigeria’s legislative chambers.
A Call for Resolution Based on Rules
Shaibu urged both parties to resolve the dispute based on the established rules of the Senate. He expressed confidence that the issue could be resolved amicably if all parties adhered to the guidelines governing the legislative process.
“The rules are there for a reason, and they should guide our actions. This is not about gender; it’s about following due process and respecting the institution of the Senate,” he said.
As the dispute between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio continues to generate public interest, Shaibu’s intervention highlights the importance of adhering to the rules and avoiding the framing of the issue as a gender matter. His call for resolution based on the established guidelines of the Senate underscores the need for professionalism and respect for due process in Nigeria’s legislative institutions.
The outcome of this dispute will likely have implications for the dynamics of power and representation in the National Assembly, as well as the broader discourse on gender and politics in Nigeria.
