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Tag: Akpoti-Uduaghan

  • Kogi Govt seeks security agencies’ action against Akpoti-Uduaghan

    Kogi Govt seeks security agencies’ action against Akpoti-Uduaghan

    Kogi State Government yesterday reported Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to security agencies for flouting the order banning rallies in the state during the Eid-el-fitr.

    The Kogi Central senator, who defied the curfew imposed by the Okehi Local Government chairman, Amoka, addressed a rally in her home town, Ihima, after returning to the country after her one month trip abroad.

    Amoka explained that the curfew “is aimed at maintaining peace and order, following a ban on all political rallies and unregulated public gatherings within the LGA.”

    Also, the Kogi State Police Command had warned against rallies and processions.

    It’s Public Relations Officer, SP William Aya, said in a statement that the decision was taken to avert violence.

    The statement reads: “Following the intelligence report on security threats in Kogi State and the subsequent ban on all forms of rally and procession by the Kogi State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Police Command, has called on the organisers of planned rally at Okene to cancel such event in the interest of the peace in Kogi State.

    “The call for cancellation becomes necessary, noting that intelligence reveals that some hoodlums plan to hijack the process and cause disturbance of peace in the State. The Command cannot afford to jeopardize the existing peace the State is currently enjoying.

    “In view of the security threat received on the planned rally, the Kogi State Police Command is therefore advising the organisers to cancel the event so as to avoid any breakdown of law and order in the state.”

    Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate last month for six months, following what her colleagues described as an unruly behaviour at the plenary.

    She protested when her seat was changed in tge Senate and accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment against her.

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    Last week, a section of her constituents submitted a recall petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against her.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan, who arrived in a chopper was received by a crowd of admirers in Okehi local government area.

    Rejecting the restriction order, the senator who addressed her constituents in Ebira, said nobody can threaten her.

    She said: “Nobody and nothing can stop me from coming home. I’m an Ebira person; this is my home.  I am the daughter of the late Jimoh Abdul Akpoti. I know my roots; I’m not a bastard, and I’m not afraid of anybody.”

    Ahead of her visit, the senator had said that any violence during the event should be blamed on  Akpabio, Governor Usman Ododo, and his predecessor, Yahaya Bello.

    On her Facebook, she wrote: “My dear people of Kogi Central, I look forward to our peaceful Sallah celebrations today.

    “However, should we be met with or infiltrated by violence, Nigerians should hold Gov Ododo, Yahaya Bello & SP Godswill Akpabio wholly responsible.”

    Kogi govt kicks

    Kogi State Government described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s action as capable of inciting residents of the state .

    The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the senator was blackmailing the government.

    He said: “ Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan has consistently demonstrated a pattern of lawlessness, using lies and deceit as her tools of political engagement.

    “The recent disturbances in Kogi State, orchestrated by her defiance of the state’s security directives, have further confirmed her status as a security threat to the people of the State.

    “She deliberately violated the State Government’s ban on political gatherings, which was put in place to prevent security breaches and maintain peace. Instead of respecting the law, she chose to incite chaos, disregarding the safety and stability of the state. When confronted with the consequences of her actions, she resorted to her usual tactics of playing the victim and fabricating baseless accusations against respected leaders of the state and the nation.

    “The people of Kogi State and Nigerians at large should see through her deceptive ploys and reject her attempt to manipulate public perception with outright lies. Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan is not a victim; she is an instigator of disorder who thrives on spreading falsehoods to gain public sympathy.

    “ We call on the security agencies to take note of her reckless utterances and inflammatory actions that pose a serious threat to peace and stability in the state. She should be held accountable for her blatant attempts to incite violence and cause unnecessary tension.”

  • Uduaghan’s suspension and gender equity

    Uduaghan’s suspension and gender equity

    By Ray Ekpu

    The storm at the senate involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central has for some weeks now become the staple of daily conversation in Nigeria. Akpoti-Uduaghan, had a few weeks ago, accused Akpabio of sexual harassment. Akpabio has denied the accusation and has said that he respects women as a matter of course. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan, has been suspended by the senate for six months for gross misconduct.

    In a statement dated March 8, the Leader of the Senate, Senator Bamidele Opeyemi has given five reasons for the suspension of the senator from Kogi Central. The reasons given are:

    1. Refusing to sit in the assigned seat during plenary on February 25, despite multiple pleas from the minority leader and other ranking senators, an act of open defiance and disorderly conduct.

    2. Speaking without being recognised by the presiding officer in clear violation of parliamentary practices and procedures on February 25.

    3. Engaging in unruly and disruptive behaviour, obstructing the orderly conduct of senate proceedings

    4. Making abusive and disrespectful remarks against the leadership of the senate.

    5. Defying and refusing to comply with the summons of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges mandated to investigate cases of misconduct. The suspension for six months involves the loss of her salary and allowances for the period, the withdrawal of her security details and the non-accessibility to her office or the senate premises.

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    Some weeks ago I was in full admiration of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, not because I want to harass her sexually because she is beautiful. I admired her when I saw the advertisement on television of big projects that she had executed in her constituency. I thought she was very dedicated to the well-being of her people and I wished that all senators were like her in project execution in their constituencies. But on February 25, I was compelled to have a different impression of her.

    Conflict is a natural state of affairs in every organisation but when it occurs, common sense demands that we manage it with civility and decency. On that day she displayed a waspish countenance, making bitter, bitchy remarks against the senate leadership. She would stand up, rave and rant and some senators would beg her to calm down, she would sit down and continue to rave and rant, then she would stand up again and continue yammering, showing the impatience of a challenger.

    It was like a sight from hell, a product of untamed anger; her ugly behaviour was a sharp contrast to her beautiful face and lovely light green attire. At the other end was Akpabio, cool and calm, an epitome of self-control, who managed exceedingly well the anger that hung in the air between them like an invisible dagger. For several minutes the fire of her anger refused to go away in a hall that people regard as the paragon of upper society, the upper chamber of our iconic legislative arm. Her temper tantrum lowered the reputation of the senate in the eyes of self-respecting people.

    In the matter between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio there are two law suits in Abuja Courts. Akpoti-Uduaghan was the first to slam a N100 billion suit against Akpabio and his Senior Legislative Aide, Mfon Patrick for publishing a post on his Facebook platform accusing her of thinking that being a senator was all about wearing make-up and transparent outfits to the chamber. Unoma, Akpabio’s wife, has risen in defence of her husband. She says that her husband is a great respecter of women and is not a sexual harasser. She, too, has slammed a N250 billion lawsuit on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for defamation. The cases are yet to be heard.

    In all of these, two things bother me. One is the image of the Nigerian Senate which Akpabio confirms bothered him too. There are lots of legislative duties to be done such as the enactment of the Tax Reform Bill, the review of the Electoral Act and the Constitution Review which has defied a resolution for many years. I urge stakeholders to wade into the matter and get it resolved expeditiously so that the senate can devote full attention to its legislative duties without any further distraction by this matter.

    My second worry is that the women are not making any serious impact on law-making at the National Assembly. In the present senate of 109 senators, there are only four female senators. They are Senator Ireti Kingibe representing FCT Abuja, Senator Ipalibo Banigo representing Rivers West, Senator Idiat Adebule representing Lagos West and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan representing Kogi Central. In the House of Representatives there are only 16 female members out of 360 Representatives. With such a very poor representation of women in the two chambers of the National Assembly, women stakeholders need, to work out a series of strategies to take care of issues of gender equity at the National Assembly. I doubt whether that is going on.

    In the past sessions of the National Assembly, about six bills affecting the welfare of women were thrown out by the male-dominated past National Assembly even when there were more female senators than what we have now. Politics is a tough and dangerous game in Nigeria. It is a do-or-die affair and many women are scared of going into it.

    It is also capital intensive and many women do not have the large sums of money needed for campaigns and elections so without being pessimistic, I do not think there will be a situation of female domination of Nigerian politics in the near future. What that means is that women must work with the men who run the affairs of the National Assembly if they hope to improve the lot of women generally. This Uduaghan-Akpabio controversy is a deterrent to such cooperation that can improve the lot, in legislative terms of the female gender.

    Many men in Nigeria are very conservative when it comes to giving women more opportunities in decision-making positions whether in the public or private sector. The other reason why women are not having more opportunities even in appointive positions is that the men also want these positions for themselves or their family members or cronies. What that means is that women need to cooperate with the men folk who are decision makers in various situations.

    Confrontation is not the answer. For example, there are many issues that touch the lives and well-being of Nigerian women which need to be legislated upon. Such issues include but are not limited to, under age marriage, female genital mutilation, inheritance for women, widowhood, education for the girl-child, period poverty for the girl child, sexual violence against women, gender parity or equity in appointive offices.

    In Rwanda, there are equal women and men in the government’s cabinet. In Nigeria, the gap is still very wide between men and women in the federal cabinet. The Uduaghan-Akpabio matter will have very negative effects on gender issues because the male-dominated, senate has taken a decision that gives the impression that a woman senator had shown utmost disrespect to the leadership of the National Assembly. If she apologises for her alleged misconduct, the senate should consider a review of the punishment given to her especially since she is a first timer at the senate and a first offender. In order to avoid more distraction, the leaders of the senate should consider an appeal to both parties to withdraw the cases in court and allow peace to reign in the hallowed chambers.

  • We’ll broker peace between Akpoti-Uduaghan, Akpabio – Women Affairs Minister

    We’ll broker peace between Akpoti-Uduaghan, Akpabio – Women Affairs Minister

    The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development says it will broker peace between Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP/Kogi Central) and the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio.

    The Minister, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said this while addressing State House Correspondents during the Meet-the-Press meeting on Friday.

    The Minister said the allegation of sexual harassment by Akpoti-Uduaghan, which led to her suspension from the Senate for six months, was an unfortunate incident that should not have happened.

    “It is unfortunate; we’re going to be brokering peace.

    “In the last assembly, we had nine women senators; in this Assembly, we have four. We don’t want to lose any member of the Senate or House of Representatives.

    “We want to increase the numbers.

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    “We will engage all the stakeholders to ensure that they temper justice with mercy,” she said.

    Sulaiman-Ibrahim said she was at the National Assembly on Thursday, where they marked International Women’s Day.

    She said the last thing the President of the Senate said was, “We’re open to broker peace.

    “So, we’re going to be an intermediary between the two parties to see that peace reigns.

    “We will continue to sensitise women so that we will work better together as women and men.”

    (NAN)

  • Akpoti-Uduaghan and the emerging controversies

    Akpoti-Uduaghan and the emerging controversies

    The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, stemming from her allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of office against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, reveals a deeper issue within Nigeria’s political system. This incident, among others, raises questions about Nigeria’s claim to being a republic, as it exhibits characteristics of a feudal system, where social and economic relationships are defined by patron-client attachments.

    In the case of the senate president, a lot has been revealed about the misogynistic nature of much of the Nigerian state. This issue has persisted for more than half a century, resulting in numerous allegations of victimization in educational institutions and workplaces. With the exception of a few cases, not much has been done to counteract this.

    Although much of the Akpabio/Akpoti-Uduaghan matter is still hazy, it is deeply disturbing that the matter arose in the first place, Regardless of the outcome, the key issues are not about to go away in a hurry. To ensure transparency, there ought of course to be a full and open inquiry, broadcast live and publicly, allowing the public to form their own opinions. Unfortunately, such an inquiry is not likely to occur!

    In the words of Paul Johnson, “We live in a world in which politics has become a form of psychotherapy.” Tragically, the incident also reveals the lack of a clear ideological anchor underpinning our politics. Conventions, mores, and norms should dictate parliamentary etiquette, such as whether members are sitting or standing.

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    Meanwhile, parliamentary time is scarce anywhere in the world at any time, making it deeply disturbing that Nigeria, faced with multifaceted challenges, is devoting so much parliamentary space to this needless controversy. No parliament has enough time, even if the parliamentarians are sitting at odd hours. So, why waste so much time on trivial matters? In sane climes, a more robust political structure would have put together countervailing mechanisms which would have prevented this from becoming an imbroglio.

    Underneath it all, the issue of misogyny must be addressed immediately. With only 4 female senators out of 109, Nigeria is underutilizing the talents of its female population, which makes up half of the country. This underrepresentation is alarming, especially considering the scarcity of talent. Since women make up half of the population, there is something to be very worried about. Even though it is still inadequate, women are making greater strides in the corporate world and really proving their mettle.

    Notable figures like Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment and Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Minister of State for Finance, are demonstrating exceptional ability in handling their portfolios. They are truly excelling in their roles, setting a high standard for others to follow. Unfortunately, the legislative sphere tells a different story. The lack of female representation in federal, state and local governments is concerning, and urgent action is necessary to address this imbalance.

    There is a lot to be done to secure a more gender-based society. One strategy is to emulate legislatures that have addressed tax and inheritance issues that discriminate against women. Political parties must commit to promoting female entrants into male-dominated assemblies.

    To address the gender imbalance in Nigeria’s legislatures, we have to explore different models from other countries, such as the all-female list in some constituencies in places like the United Kingdom which has over time beefed up female representation in the legislatures. Female legislators, who have overcome significant obstacles to reach their positions, must also up the ante. They must intensify their efforts! This is the only way to fight back against the structural imbalance which discriminates against inclusivity in society.

    The Nigerian government can learn from other countries that have successfully implemented measures to increase women’s representation in politics. For instance, Rwanda has achieved 61% female representation in parliament, while Sweden has implemented policies to promote gender equality in decision-making processes.

    A key legislation already done by the Scandinavian countries is to ensure the provision of crèche services in all organizations in the public and private sectors employing more than 50 people in the same location. This should be mandatory anyway in the public sector. The private sector can also be given tax credits to offset the additional costs in its operations. By incentivizing childcare provisions, governments can boost productivity and promote gender balance in the workforce.

    To address the emerging controversies surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan, it’s essential to scrutinize the impacts of women in Nigeria’s legislative landscape. Women must demonstrate their capabilities and compete for genuine political power, rather than relying on handouts. Inspirational figures like Olufunmilayo Ransom Kuti, Dora Akunyili and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala have shown that women can thrive in politics with maturity and dedication.

    To achieve more empowerment for women, this very huge female community must understand the game better and take the statements of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, about maturity seriously. For a long time, Tinubu has been a strong advocate for women’s empowerment, supporting bills that promote gender inclusion in governance.

    Nigerian women must be willing to compete and take on leadership roles to effect change. As the First Lady emphasized, “Women constitute a vital part of our nation’s progress, yet their representation in governance remains limited”. So, it’s time for women to take center stage and demand their rightful place in Nigeria’s politics. For example, too many women grapple with the problem of returning to work after delivery. It is really disruptive, both to the individual and the employer, and definitely hampers the career prospects of women! This kind of initiative also creates its own economy in terms of providing employment for retired matrons and other medical personnel across the board to augment their pensions. It is a win-win situation all round!

    Given the typically higher productivity of women, it’s time for the Nigerian legislature and supporters of women’s rights to know where the pressure points are and initiate conversations about their future, establishing a benchmark for other gender-based institutions to follow. Female legislators should be fixated on crafting and being at the forefront of legislations such as this. It will improve overall productivity and enhance the career prospects of women, thereby bridging the gender gap. As far as their powers can take them, it is time for our women to run!

    A national conference of all the female legislators should be convened to work out a clear programme for female advancement as well as gender disparity. The main thrust will be, by closing the gender gap, the country will be using all its resources and in the process become, not just a more competitive society but also a fairer one. Ignoring half of the potential productivity of a nation does not make economic sense. Out of the present mindless diversion and immersion into trivial, Nigeria must take a new dispassionate look at the benefits of ending gender disparity which puts a break on the use of the nation’s talents.

    As a final point, the controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan serves as an unembellished reminder of the need for integrity, transparency and accountability in Nigerian politics. As Tinubu rightly pointed out, the senate “is an inside place and it’s a matured chamber. It’s a mature chamber, and it should be treated with respect.” To move forward, Nigeria must prioritize the empowerment of women, address gender disparity, and promote a culture of integrity. Only then can we build a more just and equitable society.

    May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria!

  • Senate suspends Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months

    Senate suspends Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months

    The hammer fell on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan yesterday.

     She was suspended by the Senate for six months over alleged misconduct in the chambers.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, done unanimously through voice votes by senators, followed the adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions during plenary.

    The report was presented by the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Neda Imasuen.

    After she was pronounced suspended, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan got up from her seat and before her microphone was switched off she said  “This injustice would not be sustained.”

     Also, the Senate warned the Kogi Central senator to desist from violating it rules.

     Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno, gave the warning after reporting to the Senate that Akpoti-Uduaghan had persistently refused to stand to her feet anytime the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, led procession to commence the plenary.

    He said the disorderly behavior violated the Senate Standing Orders 55(1).

     Monguno said Akpoti-Uduaghan cannot hide under a section of the rules to air her opinions and at the same time disregard other provisions of the Standing Orders.

     He stressed: “Senator Natasha has been consistently and persistently in breach of this rules.

    He who comes to equity must come with clean hands. If you are seeking refuge always under order 10 you cannot approbate and reprobate. We urge to urge her to study the rules and comply in observance and not in breach.”

    Before her suspension, a mild drama played out when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan re-submitted her petition alleging sexual harassment against Akpabio.

    She said the petition was signed by somebody from her Kogi Central Constituency.

    After asking whether the petition was subject to any litigation in court and Akpoti-Uduaghan gave  a negative response, the Senate President referred the petition to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions.

    The committee is expected to report back in four weeks.

     Akpoti-Uduaghan on Wednesday submitted a similar petition, which was rejected by the Senate on the ground that it violated order 40(4), which bars a senator from submitting a petition signed by him or her.

     Senator Imasuen’s report was titled: “Report of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions in respect of Order 1(b) of the Senate Standing Orders 2023, as amended, raised by Senator Adaramodu, Adeyemi Raphael (Ekiti South) where he drew the attention of the Senate to the incident of Thursday, 20th February, 2025, when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, while protesting reallocation of her seat in the Senate Chamber, and he felt that the outbursts by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and the outcry by some sections of the public were uncalled for over the matter, and urged the Senate to be guided by the Standing Orders in all things.”

    The Committee recommended  as follows: “That Senator Natasha Uduaghan has violated Order 6 (1) and (2) of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 as Amended by vehemently refusing to relocate to her newly allocated seat in the Senate Chamber and insisting to raise a point of order from a seat not allocated to her, thereby causing commotion and disruption of the Senate proceedings violating Order 66(2) of the Senate Standing Orders by refusing to leave the chamber when ordered to do so by the presiding officer.

    “That her behaviour on the 20th of February 2025 was unethical and unbecoming of a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by refusing to uphold the moral sanctity of the Senate and the hallowed chamber;

    “That her refusal to appear before the Committee to explain herself despite being served with the notice of the Hearing published in the Senate Order paper and read out to Senate indicating time and place of the Committee meeting was disdain and disrespectful to the Committee and the Senate as a whole;

    “That her allegations that the President of the Senate is frustrating her legislative functions by not allowing her motions and bills to be considered in the Chamber is frivolous because the President of the Senate approved her motion on the investigation of alleged corruption and inefficiency at Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and National Iron Mining Company (NIOMCO) for consideration and it was considered accordingly; and equally she had sponsored three (3) Bills that are at various stages of legislative processes.”

    On her petition on allegations of sexual harassment which she allegedly signed by herself, the Committee said it was contrary to Order 40(4) of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 as amended, which states clearly that “no Senator may present to the Senate a petition signed by him or herself,” adding: the petition submitted by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan ran contrary to this order, as she signed her own petition.”

    Imasuen added: “That under Order 40 (7) of the Senate Standing Orders 2023, as amended, which states that “Senate should not receive or deliberate on any matter to which actions are pending in any court of law”;

    “The Petition of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan being a matter before a law court of competent jurisdiction, the Committee, therefore cannot deliberate on the petition.

    “The Committee noted that Distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan went to court to seek an interim order preventing the Senate and its Committee from exercising its constitutional duties as enshrined in Section 88 (1) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 as amended, the Committee felt duty bound to exercise its constitutional functions.

    “It is noted that legislative investigation is part of law-making. It is adjunct of the legislative process, accordingly, any investigation carried in the exercise of those powers are constitutional and competent;

    “It is interesting to note that while on the one hand, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan sought in breach to restrain the Senate from doing its constitutional duties under Section 88 (1), of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, she also brought a petition to the Senate arguing, that her petition on Sexual Harassment has merit which must be accepted and acted upon by the Senate.

    “Accordingly, the petition was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions for action.

    “The Distinguished Senator cannot on the one hand seek to prevent the Senate from doing its duties on a petition based on a motion brought against her and on the other hand insist that her petition on Sexual Harassment to the Senate be acted upon through the Ethics Committee.

    “He who comes to equity must come with clean hands. It is important to note that the motion of Senator Adaramodu seeking investigation on the conduct of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions when there was no case pending in court on the issue of seat allocation.”

    The Committee recommendations approved and adopted by the Senate included: “That the Senate do suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for Six (6) months for her total violation of the Senate Standing rules 2023 as Amended for bringing the Presiding officer and the entire Senate in general to public opprobrium;

    “That for the Senate to consider lifting the suspension, or reducing the tenure of suspension Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan shall submit a written apology to the Senate before the reconsideration by the Senate;

    “That the Senate do suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan with effect. from (6th March, 2025) from all legislative activities forthwith;

    “That her office be locked up for the duration of her suspension and hand over all Senate properties in her possession to the Clerk of the National Assembly;

    “That for the duration of her suspension she cannot come or be seen within the vicinity of the National Assembly including her staff;

     “That her salaries and allowances be suspended and withdrawal of all security detail for the duration of her suspension and;

     “That for the period of her suspension she be barred from presenting herself to the public locally and internationally as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

     Moves by Akpoti-Uduaghan to raise a point of order before the prayers were adopted was rebuffed.

    Akpabio: I attended Natasha’s  wedding

    Akpabio, who has rejected the allegation of sexual harassment, recalled how he slept in an hotel within the premises of the Dangote Cement factory in Obajana, Kogi State, during the wedding of Akpoti-Uduaghan for three days.

    He described Natasha’s husband as his good friend, stressing that his presence at their wedding signified his closeness to the family.

    Akpabio said: “The person we are talking about here is the wife of my very good friend or so I thought.

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    “I slept in Dangote Cement Factory in Obajana, Kogi State, on the night of Senator Natasha’s wedding because the Kogi airport lights were in a poor state.”

    He said as the Senate President, he has the responsibility to interpret the rules of the Senate.

     Akpabio added: “The rules give me the power to give ruling on points of order. I’m in the best position to interpret the rules of the Senate.”

    Bamidele: I never threatened her

    Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele denied threatening Akpoti-Uduaghan during a midnight conversation with her.

    He challenged security agencies to investigate her claims.

    Bamidele explained that the call for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was based on gender, political party differences or ethnic background.

    He maintained that the call was hinged on the fact that she defied the rules of the Senate, adding that she was not remorseful about it.

    Bamidele urged Akpoti-Uduaghan to use the period of her suspension to study the Senate rule book in order not to commit such offences in the future.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan’s colleague from Kogi West District, Senator Sunday Karimi, apologised to Akpabio for supporting her for a leadership role.

    Karimi recalled efforts to persuade her to apologise, before she resorted to personal insults against him.

    Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, who seconded the report after it was presented by Imasuen, demanded the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    Ibrahim said the action of the Kogi lawmaker contravened the rules of the Senate, adding that she should be made to face the consequences.

    The Minority Leader, Abba Moro, appealed for a reduction of the suspension from six months to three months.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan is a PDP senator.

    Moro, who represents Benue South District also criticised Akpoti-Uduaghan for the misconduct.

    But he pleaded that the suspension be reduced to three months.

    He said: “We feel very sad that it is coming from this side. It is very unfortunate that it has come this way. We are members of minority on this side, but we have our rules.

    “The report has outlined the breaches and breaches have consequences. We are not against the report. We have a saying that if you beat a child with a right hand, you draw them with the left.

     “We have recalcitrant children and children we keep begging them to be of good behaviour. Sometimes, we beat them.

    Senator Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East) warned Akpabio about his relationships with fellow senators.

    He said: “The only friends you have are your wife and children. Some may be your friend today, but we don’t know what will happen tomorrow.

     “The integrity of the institution of the Senate has been severely damaged. What we should be talking about is how to rebuild it.”

     Senator Muhammed Dandutse (Katsina South) suggested that the Senate should consider lifting the suspension if she  apologise.

    Senator Cyril Fasuyi and Asuquo Ekpenyong also supported strong penalties to uphold the sanctity of the Senate as a Hallowed Chamber.

  • Akpabio, Akpoti-Uduaghan and politics of allegations

    Akpabio, Akpoti-Uduaghan and politics of allegations

    • By Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu

    Sir: Nigeria’s political landscape has once again been rocked by controversy following allegations by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    In a live interview on Arise TV’s The Morning Show today, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances toward her in December 2023, even in the presence of her husband, during a visit to Akwa Ibom.

    While allegations of sexual harassment should never be dismissed outright, it is crucial to critically examine her claims against the backdrop of timing, inconsistencies, and the broader political context. One striking aspect of her accusations is the significant delay in making them public. If the alleged incident occurred on December 18, 2023, why is she speaking out only now in 2025?

    Beyond the allegations, the political undercurrents cannot be ignored.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal battle with Akpabio and the longstanding tensions between opposition figures and the senate leadership suggest that this could be part of a larger strategy to discredit the Senate President. Akpabio, a seasoned politician and former governor, has faced various controversies over the years but not of this nature. If there were a pattern of such behaviour, one would expect multiple accusers to have come forward by now.

    Instead, we have a lone allegation surfacing conveniently in the middle of a legal battle. Furthermore, Natasha has built a political reputation around activism and confrontation.

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    While this is not necessarily a flaw, it does make it important to scrutinize her claims with a balanced perspective, ensuring they are not mere tools for political warfare.

    Given the gravity of the allegations, concrete evidence is necessary. Mere verbal accusations, especially those emerging in the midst of a lawsuit, should not be taken at face value. If Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan truly believes she was harassed, the appropriate step would be to present credible proof rather than rely on suggestive storytelling.

    Akpabio, as the accused, deserves the right to respond to these claims without being prematurely condemned. Nigeria must not become a society where mere allegations are enough to damage reputations, especially in the high-stake world of politics.

    Sexual harassment is a serious issue that must never be trivialized, but it is equally important to guard against politically-motivated allegations that could set dangerous precedents. Without tangible proof, Natasha’s claims remain speculative at best and potentially defamatory at worst.

    The Nigerian public must approach this matter with critical reasoning rather than emotional reactions, ensuring that justice, whether for the accuser or the accused, is based on facts, not sentiments.

    •Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu, (NYSC)

     Abuja.

  • No rift between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan – South-south leaders

    No rift between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan – South-south leaders

    …describes Senate President as moral leader, hail Akpoti-Uduaghan for her intelligence, self-control, strong voice

    Leaders from the South-South region have affirmed the cordial relationship between the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    Dismissing speculations of discord, the leaders stated they were aware that Akpabio holds no grievances against Akpoti-Uduaghan, contrary to claims by certain political actors.

    Following a meeting on Sunday in Calabar, the leaders refuted allegations of sexual harassment and sidelining, labeling them as “wicked and malicious.”

    In a statement issued after the meeting, National Chairman of the South-South Front, Chief John Harry, commended both Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan for their commitment to national progress.

    “We know that the Senate President does not have anything against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, contrary to the insinuation of political mercenaries’’

    They also chastised some individuals and groups for introducing dangerous dimensions to the recent development in the Senate.

    “We consider it very irresponsible and most uncharitable for some individuals and groups to mischievously try to set Akpoti-Uduaghan against the leadership of the Senate for expressing her views.

    “These smear campaigns are attempts to tarnish the image of the distinguished senators and put the popular, bright and unflappable Akpoti-Uduaghan at logger-heads with the leadership of the Senate

    “There is a general misunderstanding. The unwarranted attack being launched on Akpabio and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan amounts to an assault on our collective sensibilities.”

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    Harry said the leaders took cognizance of the pleasant disposition of the Senate President, his inclusive strategy and the peaceful atmosphere he has been able to create in the Senate.

    “No amount of allegations and criticisms hurled at the distinguished senators can erode their contributions to the development of the country.”

    The notable leaders called on all South-South and North Central people and indeed Nigerians to show solidarity and support for the Senate President and the member representing Kogi Central in the Senate.

    “The Kogi Central Senator is dedicated and fearless. There is no amount of blackmail, name-calling or intimidation from fictitious groups that could change the course of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s destiny,” the statement added.