Senate Budget Defence Disrupted as Natasha Accuses Committee Leadership of Disrespect

A Senate budget defence session on Wednesday was thrown into chaos when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) abruptly walked out after a tense confrontation with Senator Patrick Ndubueze, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Mines and Steel Development. The dispute arose during the review of the 2026 budget for the Ministry of Steel Development, drawing attention to conflicts over legislative oversight and constituency representation.

The clash occurred after nearly four hours of questioning of Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, and his team. Akpoti-Uduaghan pressed concerns regarding the stalled Ajaokuta Steel Company revival, transparency in Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), and the ministry’s accountability.

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As the session neared its conclusion, Chairman Ndubueze attempted to adjourn proceedings, insisting the senator had spoken at length. Akpoti-Uduaghan protested, stating: “It’s very important. I still have something to say, and I think you should respect me enough.” She emphasized that the interactive session was meant to allow further engagement, especially on matters affecting her constituency.

The chairman maintained that the minister’s time had elapsed and proceeded to close the session, prompting the senator to accuse the committee leadership of shutting her out of deliberations. She then gathered her documents and stormed out of the session, temporarily stalling the proceedings.

Observers noted that the incident highlights broader tensions in Senate committee management, particularly regarding procedural fairness and the balance between seniority and active participation. Despite the disruption, the committee plans follow-up sessions to address unresolved issues related to the Ajaokuta Steel Company and other budgetary concerns.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of only four female senators in the 10th Senate, has established a reputation for being vocal on governance and development issues, advocating strongly for her constituents and holding government agencies accountable.

Senate Budget Defence Disrupted as Natasha Accuses Committee Leadership of Disrespect

Kwankwasiyya Urges US Congress to Drop Kwankwaso’s Name from Bill

The Kwankwasiyya movement has called on the United States Congress to remove the name of former Kano State governor and NNPP leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, from a proposed legislative bill currently under consideration.

In a strongly worded statement, leaders of the Kwankwasiyya movement described the inclusion of Kwankwaso’s name in the proposed US bill as “misleading and politically motivated,” insisting that the former presidential candidate has no connection to the issues referenced in the draft legislation.

The group said linking Kwankwaso to the bill could create diplomatic misunderstandings and damage his international reputation.

“We urge the United States Congress to immediately remove the name of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso from the proposed bill. He has no involvement whatsoever in the matters cited, and such reference is unfair and unjustified,” the statement read.

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The movement further argued that Kwankwaso, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has consistently promoted democratic values, peaceful political engagement, and national development.

According to the group, associating him with any controversial legislative move abroad amounts to political mischief and an attempt to tarnish his image ahead of future political activities.

The Kwankwasiyya movement also called on diplomatic channels to clarify the matter and prevent what it described as the internationalisation of domestic political disagreements.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the US Congress regarding the demand, nor has the full content of the proposed bill been publicly detailed.

Kwankwaso remains a prominent political figure in Nigeria and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, with a strong support base particularly in Kano and parts of northern Nigeria.

Kwankwasiyya Urges US Congress to Drop Kwankwaso’s Name from Bill

Drama at NASS as Works Minister, Oshiomhole Clash During Budget Defence

Tempers flared at the National Assembly on Wednesday as Minister of Works, David Umahi, clashed with Senator Adams Oshiomhole during the defence of the Federal Ministry of Works’ 2026 budget proposal, turning what was expected to be a routine legislative exercise into a heated confrontation.

The dramatic exchange occurred before the Joint Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Works, where Umahi appeared to defend the ministry’s multi-trillion naira allocation for the 2026 fiscal year. Lawmakers had raised concerns over road contracts, funding gaps, and the prioritisation of major infrastructure projects across the country.

In a video that has since gone viral, Umahi was seen confronting Oshiomhole after the Edo North senator questioned aspects of the ministry’s spending and contract decisions.

“You can’t use foul language on me. I’m a distinguished Nigerian,” Umahi fired back during the tense exchange.

The clash reportedly stemmed from scrutiny over the handling of major federal road projects, including the strategic Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano highway, as well as broader issues of procurement transparency and value for money.

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The 2026 proposal presented by the ministry includes significant allocations for the completion of ongoing federal highways and legacy infrastructure projects. Umahi disclosed that the Federal Government currently owes contractors trillions of naira for certified works executed in previous years, a situation he said has slowed the pace of delivery on some projects.

As the exchange escalated, Senator Rufai Sani Hanga (Kano Central) cautioned the minister over his choice of words.

According to him, “You are just two months Senator, Mr Umahi,” in a remark that further heightened tension in the chamber.

The session briefly descended into disorder as lawmakers exchanged words over procedural issues and speaking rights, prompting senior members of the committee to intervene and restore order.

In defending his stewardship of the ministry, Umahi maintained that the 2026 Works budget is designed to accelerate the rehabilitation and reconstruction of critical road corridors nationwide. He also challenged lawmakers to personally inspect ongoing projects, insisting that the quality of work would justify the allocations.

The confrontation highlights growing pressure on the Ministry of Works over road infrastructure funding, contract awards, and accountability in project execution, particularly as Nigeria grapples with fiscal constraints and mounting public expectations.

Despite the heated exchanges, Oshiomhole was eventually allowed to continue his contribution to the budget debate, and proceedings moved forward after interventions from other lawmakers.

The incident underscores the intensity of legislative oversight surrounding the 2026 federal budget, especially in sectors with heavy capital expenditure such as works and infrastructure.

Drama at NASS as Works Minister, Oshiomhole Clash During Budget Defence