Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan stormed out of a Senate committee session on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, after a sharp exchange with the chairman.
The incident unfolded during the Senate Committee on Steel Development's review of the Ministry of Steel Development's budget. Minister Shuaib Abubakar Audu was defending allocations when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, pressed for more time to address critical issues.
Her focus? The long-stalled Ajaokuta Steel Company project in her constituency, a national priority plagued by delays, alleged mismanagement, and unfulfilled revival promises.
Chairman Senator Patrick Ndubueze moved to close proceedings, banging the gavel to end her contribution. Video footage captures the senator protesting firmly: “Don’t hit the gavel. You can’t disrespect me in the minister’s presence.”
Amid rising murmurs in the room, she rose and walked out, leaving the session charged with tension.
Supporters online hail her as a fearless voice for Kogi and the steel sector's revival, praising her refusal to be silenced on a matter affecting jobs and industrial progress. Critics, however, view the moment as disruptive to orderly proceedings.
The brief but heated confrontation highlights ongoing frustrations in Nigeria's push to revive its steel industry. Ajaokuta remains a symbol of untapped potential and persistent political battles.
As clips spread rapidly across social media, the episode underscores the high stakes and emotions surrounding one of the country's most enduring infrastructure debates.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!