Senate Erupts in Sarcastic Laughter as Akpabio Announces Natasha’s Birthday Amid Ongoing Feud (Video)

• Senators burst into laughter on Tuesday after Senate President Godswill Akpabio paused and chuckled while announcing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s birthday — a moment fuelled by the ongoing tension between the two lawmakers.

A light moment played out during plenary on Tuesday as Senate President Godswill Akpabio marked his 63rd birthday on the floor of the Senate.

Coincidentally, December 9 is also the birthday of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, who turned 47.

It is Senate tradition for the President to acknowledge colleagues celebrating their birthdays. While reading out the names of the day’s celebrants, Akpabio called his own name, then paused before announcing, “and another person, Distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.”

The chamber erupted in laughter as senators noticed Akpabio smiling while mentioning her name.

The humour was not lost on lawmakers, as both senators have been at odds in recent months. Their long-running disagreement resurfaced last week when Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed that Akpabio had filed a N200 billion lawsuit against her over a sexual harassment allegation.

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Earlier in the year, Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months for misconduct and breaching Senate Standing Rules following a dispute over seating arrangements that escalated on the floor. Although she later made a sexual harassment claim against Akpabio, the Senate clarified that her punishment was strictly for rule violations.

Since returning from suspension in October, she has maintained a low profile during proceedings, and both lawmakers have largely avoided each other.

Tuesday’s light-hearted birthday moment offered a rare break from their tense relationship, even if just briefly.

Watch video below: