Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Slams Senate President Akpabio, Insists on Transparency
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has vowed to expose the leadership style of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, following a confrontation between the two over a seating arrangement dispute in the Senate. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s strong statement comes after she was referred to the Senate’s Ethics and Disciplinary Committee in connection with the incident.
In a post on her Instagram account, Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed her readiness to appear before the committee, but insisted that the proceedings be conducted in full public view, calling for a live broadcast of the probe. She stated, “Good morning, courageous people of Kogi Central, Kogi State, and Nigeria. It’s about time I break my silence. Arise News, set a date, and I shall be in your studio in person. Spare no questions.”
The senator continued, “To Nigerians, please be sure to join the probe, which I shall insist be covered live. The next few days and weeks shall be interesting but will shape the standard and quality of Nigeria’s leadership.”
Her response followed a petition filed by the Northern Youths Advocacy for Excellence to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. The petition accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of corruption, abuse of power, and mistreatment of staff in her capacity as the chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content. The petition urged the Senate to thoroughly investigate her alleged misconduct.
Despite these allegations, Akpoti-Uduaghan has denied any wrongdoing, asserting her innocence and insisting on transparency in the entire process. She vowed to speak openly about the allegations and shed light on other issues within the Senate’s leadership structure.
The tension between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio escalated last week when the Kogi senator confronted the Senate President over the relocation of her seat. The heated exchange led to Akpabio calling on Senate security to escort Akpoti-Uduaghan out of the chamber, though intervention by other senators prevented her removal.
In a statement following the incident, Senate spokesman Senator Yemi Adaramodu reprimanded Akpoti-Uduaghan, reminding her that the Senate is not a platform for entertainment.
As the controversy continues, Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a N100.3bn defamation lawsuit against Akpabio and others involved in the dispute, escalating the conflict and intensifying the pressure on the Senate leadership.
