‘You have disrespected me more than enough’ – Natasha, colleague clash during budget defense

Drama unfolded in the Nigerian Senate as the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, clashed with her colleague from Imo North, Patrick Ndubueze, during the Ministry of Steel’s budget defence.

Senator Patrick Ndubueze, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Steel Development, during an interactive session with the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, reportedly failed to give Akpoti-Uduaghan the opportunity to engage the minister.

Senator Natasha sought Ndubueze’s permission to ask what she described as vital questions.

However, Ndubueze denied her the opportunity to ask the questions and struck the gavel.

Reacting to his actions, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Ndubueze of disrespecting her and disclosed that the committee had not been given enough opportunity to engage the minister.

Senator Natasha said, “I have something to say. Please, will you mind if I do so?”

In response, Ndubueze said, “Distinguished, please let’s call it a day.”

As she attempted to engage the minister, Ndubueze again struck the gavel.

Natasha pleaded, “Mr Chairman, please don’t hit the gavel. I still have something to say, and I think you should respect me enough.”

Ndubueze responded while striking the gavel again: “I have given you respect. Mr Minister, your time is up. Thank you.”

Natasha replied, “That is fine. You have disrespected me more than enough. You can’t do this to me. I have something very vital to ask the minister, and it doesn’t matter if I have spoken once or twice. This is an interactive session, and you agree that we have not met with the minister enough. Only God knows when next we’re going to meet with him as a committee.”