“You Have Disrespected Me Enough,” Senator Natasha Confronts Patrick Ndubueze for Obstructing Senatorial Duties

Summary: Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan confronted Senate Committee Chairperson Patrick Ndubueze during a budget defence session. She accused him of disrespect and obstructing her senatorial duties over concerns about Ajaokuta Steel Company agreements and ministry accountability.

During a heated Senate budget defence session on February 11, 2026, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the People’s Democratic Party, representing Kogi Central, confronted Senator Patrick Ndubueze, chairperson of the committee overseeing the Ministry of Steel Development. The exchange occurred moments before the Kogi Central lawmaker walked out of the chamber, accusing the chairperson of obstructing her from fully carrying out her senatorial responsibilities.

The dispute arose after nearly four hours of deliberations, during which Senator Natasha pressed ministry officials on the performance of the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the transparency of related Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). The conflict escalated when Patrick attempted to adjourn the session, arguing that the Kogi Central lawmaker had spoken at length. Senator Natasha resisted, insisting that her questions were essential and that she had been disrespected. 

“I think you have disrespected me more than enough. You have spoken enough, allow me to speak. I have something very vital to interface with the minister,” she said before walking out.

The senator also expressed frustration over the ministry’s engagement with her as a representative of the host community. She revealed that her repeated requests for meetings with the minister had largely gone unanswered. 

“Since I entered the Senate, we’ve only met three times. We only seem to meet at budget presentations,” she said, noting that she had to rely on third-party information to scrutinise ministry agreements.

During the session, Minister of Steel Development Shuaibu Audu presented the ministry’s budget performance, reporting that N24.143 billion was allocated in 2024, with capital expenditure partially released. He stated that lawmakers had been provided with details of the MoUs and advised following established procedures for further engagement.

Despite the walkout, the committee agreed to hold additional sessions to resolve pending issues surrounding the Ajaokuta Steel Company and other ministry agreements, highlighting ongoing tensions over legislative oversight and ministerial accountability.