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Tag: Natasha

  • Natasha reports her suspension, case against Akpabio to UN Inter-Parliamentary Union

    Natasha reports her suspension, case against Akpabio to UN Inter-Parliamentary Union

    •  ‘She’s plotting to discredit Akpabio, destabilise National Assembly’

    Suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken her case with the Red Chamber to the Inter-Parliamentary Union Meeting (IPU), a global body of legislators with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

    Contrary to her claims, the Senate has reiterated that her suspension was not based on her allegation of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio but the result of its investigation which found her guilty of misconducts against Standing Rules, among others.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan was seen yesterday in a viral video inside a parliamentary chamber 9of the global legislative house narrating her ordeal amid tears.

    She described her suspension as an assault on democracy, saying it depicted the plight of women in Nigeria.

    The Kogi Central lawmaker alleged that the punishment was visited on her for daring to report a case of sexual harassment against Akpabio.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan said: “I am not here to bring shame to our country. I am here to seek help for the women of Nigeria. Again, my name is Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    “Five days ago, on March 6, 2025, I was suspended as a senator. I was suspended illegally because I submitted a petition of sexual harassment against the President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

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    “I thought that by submitting the petition, he would recuse himself and both of us would submit ourselves to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions for a fair and transparent investigation.

    “But unfortunately, I was silenced and I was suspended. I was suspended for six months, amongst many other stringent conditions, such as taking away my security, taking away all the officials vehicles and other items that were given to me as a senator.

    “My salaries have been cut off. I must not appear anywhere near the National Assembly. And for six months, I’m forbidden to introduce myself or present myself as a senator locally in Nigeria or internationally.

    “I’m here because I have no other place to go but to come here. This is a bigger picture …of what happens to women in Nigeria. It depicts the crisis of women’s political representation.

    “My suspension is not just about me. It’s about the systemic exclusion of women from political leadership in Nigeria.

    “Women make up 3.6 per cent of political offices in Nigeria, and in the Senate, it’s just four women out of 109. Now that I have been suspended, it is now three women among 108.

    “This is a clear case of political victimisation and punishment for speaking out against sexual harassment, corruption and gender-based violence. The United Nations declares sexual harassment as a form of gender violence.

    “The Senate’s action is an assault on democracy. I was elected by my constituents to represent them, yet a few powerful men have largely decided to silence their voices by suspending me for six months.

    “My call for an open and transparent investigation into sexual harassment allegations has been met with hostility instead of accountability.

    “If a female senator can be treated this way, in the full view of the world, imagine what ordinary women will go through every day, in the work places, in universities…”

    Also, some women yesterday protested at the National Assembly over alleged attempt by suspended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to discredit Akpabio and destabilise the National Assembly.

    The protesters gathered at the entrance of the National Assembly, calling for additional sanctions against the Kogi Central senator, if she persisted in mobilising her supporters against the Senate.

    The protesters, under the auspices of Women for Good Governance, accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of collaborating with certain individuals to soil Akpabio’s image and destabilise the National Assembly.

    They carried placards with various inscriptions, such as: “Senate Committee on Local Content is not our birthright but a privilege”; “Nigerian women for sustainable democracy support Senator Akpabio”; “Nigerian women for good governance ask Senator Natasha to stop embarrassing Nigerian women,” and “Nigerians are proud of Akpabio.”

    The Secretary of United Women for Good Governance, Enakeme Ojineme, led the protest.

    The protesters accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of political manipulation.

    Addressing reporters, Ojineme described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment allegations against the Senate President as part of a politically-driven agenda to undermine the integrity of the Senate President.

    “We, in the United Women for Good Governance, have discovered that this false allegation of sexual harassment has a very strong political undertone heavily propelled in collaboration with Senator Natasha by those who are interested in the office of the Senate President at all cost,” she said.

    According to her, any effort to undermine the Senate through “unconventional, unlawful, and demonic means” is tantamount to treason.

  • 100 women groups apologise to Senate, Akpabio over Natasha’s allegation

    100 women groups apologise to Senate, Akpabio over Natasha’s allegation

    The Nigerian Women Crusade for Good Governance (NWCGG) representing 100 women groups has tendered an unreserved apology to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Senate over the allegations by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    The apology was tendered during a briefing in Abuja on March 11, 2025.

    Speaking on behalf of the groups, Dr. Mrs Cecilia Ikechukwu condemned Senator Akpoti’s behaviour, describing it as “disruptive, crude, and distasteful.”

    According to her, Natasha’s actions have brought embarrassment to Nigerian women and undermined the efforts of female politicians who have worked hard to gain the trust and respect of Nigerians.

    The group alleged the Senator of having the history of blackmailing men in power. They also accused her of using false allegations to gain political relevance.

    The Nigerian Women Crusade for Good Governance praised Akpabio for his commitment to good governance and support for women’s inclusion in politics. 

    It apologised to Nigerians for Senator Natasha’s behaviour, promising to continue advocating for women’s leadership and good governance.

    The group urged the Senator to use her six-month suspension to reflect on her actions, seek therapy and study the Senate rules to gain a better understanding of the legislative process.

    Read Also: Sexual Harassment Allegation: Women protesters accuse Natasha of plot to discredit Akpabio, disrupt NASS

    The statement added: “We strongly urge Senator Natasha to use this time to seek professional therapy. It is evident that she is struggling with deep-seated issues that need to be addressed if she is to function properly in any leadership capacity.

    “Furthermore, she must take this opportunity to read and understand the Senate rules, so that upon her return, she can comport herself with the dignity and respect befitting of her office.

    “Evidently, Natasha Akpoti has not only disgraced herself but has set back the cause of women in politics by reinforcing negative stereotypes about female leaders.

    “However, her actions must not define us. We must continue to prove that women in governance are capable, respectable, and deserving of leadership positions. It is our hope that she will use this period of suspension to rebuild her character and emerge as a more responsible and respectful leader.

    “Nevertheless, we also emphasise that this incident must not be allowed to overshadow the progress that many great women have made in Nigerian politics.

    “There are countless women who have served with distinction and have never stopped inspiring future generations. Women in public offices must understand that the position comes with a duty to inspire and not to embarrass. We must not allow the actions of one individual to define the collective achievements of women in leadership.

    “Finally, we call on all Nigerians to remain steadfast in their support for good governance and to hold their leaders accountable for their actions. May this unfortunate episode serve as a lesson on the importance of character, maturity, and responsible leadership. Together, we can build a nation that values integrity, respect, and equality for all.”

  • Sexual Harassment Allegation: Women protesters accuse Natasha of plot to discredit Akpabio, disrupt NASS

    Sexual Harassment Allegation: Women protesters accuse Natasha of plot to discredit Akpabio, disrupt NASS

    A group of women protesters stormed the National Assembly on Tuesday, accusing Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of attempting to discredit Senate President Godswill Akpabio and destabilize the legislature.

    Gathering at the entrance of the National Assembly, the demonstrators, under the banner of Women for Good Governance, demanded additional sanctions against Akpoti-Uduaghan if she continued mobilizing supporters against the Senate.

    The protesters carried placards with messages such as “Nigerian Women for Good Governance Ask Sen. Natasha to Stop Embarrassing Women” and “Nigerians Are Proud of Akpabio.”

    Led by the group’s secretary, Enakeme Ojineme, the women accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of engaging in political manipulation and collaborating with individuals seeking to tarnish Akpabio’s image.

    Ojineme also dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio, calling them a politically motivated attempt to undermine the Senate President’s integrity.

    “We the united women for good governance have discovered that this false allegation of sexual harassment has a very strong political undertone heavily propelled in collaboration with Senator Natasha by those who are interested in the office of the Senate President at all cost,” she said.

    She condemned any effort to undermine the Senate through “unconventional, unlawful, and demonic means,” describing such actions as treasonable.

    “We the united women for good governance hereby send a strong warning to these evil planners that what they’re doing is nothing but trying to stab democracy with a fire dagger which must be resisted by all well meaning and good Nigerians.

    “Any unconventional, unlawful, and demonic means such as this targeted at removing any head of a tier of government, is treasonable,” she added.

    Ojineme warned that should the Kogi Central Senator persist in mobilising supporters against the Senate, she must face even stricter punishments.

    “We therefore encourage the Nigerian senators and the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio to remain dedicated to their duties and not fail to give stringent punishment to Senator Natasha should she continue to mobilise street beggars, jobless boys and ladies against the Nigerian Senate”.

    The Senate had on Thursday last week suspended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months over alleged misconduct.

  • Natasha/Akpabio feud: External plot to tarnish Nigeria’s image – NASAC

    Natasha/Akpabio feud: External plot to tarnish Nigeria’s image – NASAC

    The National Association for Scrap Artisans and Craft (NASAC) has described the ongoing rift between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as part of a larger external conspiracy aimed at tarnishing Nigeria’s reputation.

    Speaking at a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Kaduna, NASAC’s National Chairman, Alhaji Yahaya Ibrahim, also known as “Sarkin Yakin IBB,” defended Akpabio, portraying him as a disciplined leader facing unjust attacks.

    Ibrahim dismissed the allegations against Akpabio, particularly claims of sexual harassment, labeling them as a deliberate attempt to damage his character. 

    He further argued that those backing Senator Natasha’s accusations were misguided, emphasizing that Akpabio is a principled man who would even advise women to dress modestly.

    “For someone I have known for decades to be accused of sexual harassment, if I remain silent, Allah will not forgive me. I know Akpabio well, and he knows me,” he added.

    The NASAC chairman claimed that certain groups were working to tarnish Nigeria’s image globally by weaponizing the allegations against Akpabio.

    “This issue is not just about Akpabio; it is an orchestrated attempt to damage the image of the country. They want to paint a picture that Nigerian women cannot succeed in politics unless they offer their bodies in exchange for positions,” he said. 

    According to him, Senator Natasha’s allegations send a damaging message to women in leadership.

    “She is trying to prove that she is the first woman to challenge such an issue, but in doing so, she is disgracing herself and other Nigerian women. Are we saying that female ministers in this country attained their positions through such means?”

    He further accused Natasha of attempting to destroy Akpabio’s reputation and create disaffection between him and his wife, as well as President Bola Tinubu.

    “If we allow this narrative to stand, then tomorrow, any Nigerian leader can be discredited, including the President. This is a serious matter that should not be taken lightly,” he warned.

    Alhaji Ibrahim also questioned Natasha’s recent public display of affection with her husband within the Senate Chamber, arguing that it was inappropriate.

    “We all saw how she entered the National Assembly last week with her husband adjusting her clothes. They kissed right inside the chamber in front of her colleagues and the media. What was she trying to prove? Was it an attempt to frustrate Akpabio or to embarrass the nation?” he asked.

    He maintained that Akpabio had always supported women and recalled a past incident where he facilitated the allocation of land for a mosque in Akwa Ibom during his tenure as governor.

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    “Years ago, when some senior northern leaders met with then-Governor Akpabio to request land for a mosque, he promised to allocate it the next day. True to his word, he fulfilled the promise, and today, there is a mosque built by A.A. Rano in Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom State. This is a man who loves Nigeria and its people,” he recounted.

    Ibrahim ridiculed the claims that Akpabio harassed Natasha, stating: “Some are saying Akpabio is a ‘sexy man,’ but every man is sexy. However, in this case, I can swear with anything that Akpabio would never do such a thing.”

    He expressed concern about the broader implications of the allegations.

    “We are advocating for a female president in Nigeria. If that happens, will she also be kissing people in the chamber? This is a divisive agenda being pushed by external forces to destabilize Nigeria,” he alleged.

    When asked about calls from various organizations demanding a proper investigation into the matter, Alhaji Ibrahim said he supported such a move but criticized Natasha’s approach.

    “Akpabio is not against an investigation, but it should not be done with rudeness. Why did Natasha come boldly to the Senate with her husband? The Senate President was calm and received her complaint formally. But why did she kiss her husband in the chamber? Even as a Muslim, she should know better. Would the Christian community accept such an act?” he queried.

    He concluded by calling on Nigerians to resist any attempt to use the issue to divide the country.

  • Lawyer faults Senate’s handling of Natasha’s allegations

    Lawyer faults Senate’s handling of Natasha’s allegations

    A lawyer, Ige Asemudara, has faulted the Senate over the method it adopted in handling the sexual harassment allegation made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio.

    Asemudara said Akpabio should have stepped down pending investigation.

    “ It’s funny and very uncivilised that the Senate President,  Senator Godswill Akpabio against who that allegation was made, that weighty allegation, presided over the Senate during that period. He should have stepped down pending when investigations are made.

    “At least you see what is going on in the UK parliament now. The M.P, Rupert Lowe was alleged of bullying some female staffs of the British Parliament and what do you see? The parliament suspended him pending investigation.

    “So even if our Senate President is not suspended,  we expect that he steps aside and then he allows the system to run its course so that it is not seen as if he is being over-bearing on the Senate, using his ways against the lady who has complained about him”, he argued.

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    While not lending credence to the  allegations of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Asemudara contended that  the Senate didn’t handle the matter well.

    “Senator Akpabio ought not to have presided the Ethics and Privileges Committee. This committee ought not to have thrown out that petition. Rather on their own, they should have invoked the disciplinary mechanism within the senate to on their own, investigate the allegation and bring the Senate President to book,  if actually he is culpable,” he said.

    Asemudara however said he was not aware of any court order restraining the Senate from suspending Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    “However, I take the view that the senate didn’t do well when it suspended the Senator. The optics are not good. The Senator had a complaint about sexual harassment,  the senate didn’t look into it,  that the Senate just threw the petition out on the basis that it came in a through a Senator and that they only receive petitions from constituencies.

    ” That, with due respect is not just incorrect but it is unreasonable and I know that the Senate had their ways of disciplining its members. It has its own internal disciplinary mechanism. If there are complaints against any senator or the  leadership of the Senate,that provision should even be invoked even without a Senator writing petition. That is why the  provision should be invoke against such leader,” he said.

  • Court adjourns Natasha’s suit to enable Akpabio, others file responses

    Court adjourns Natasha’s suit to enable Akpabio, others file responses

    …schedules further hearing for March 25

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned further hearing in the fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) to March 25 to enable respondents in suit file their responses.

    Respondents in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, the Clerk of the National Assembly (NASS) the Senate, the President of the Senate, and Sen. Neda Imasuem (the Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Code of Conduct).

    On February 4 Justice Obiora Egwuatu heard an ex-parte motion filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan and issued some interim injunctions, including an order “directing the respondents to show cause within 72 hours why reliefs in a pending motion on notice for interlocutory injunctions, filed by the applicant, should not be granted.

    Part of the reliefs contained in the motion on notice including an order restraining the respondents “from proceeding with the investigation against the plaintiff for alleged misconduct without affording her privileges as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Senate Standing Order 2023 and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.”

    It is Akpoti-Uduaghan’s contention, in the substantive suit that her right to fair hearing had been denied by the respondents.

    Read Also: Maku: why Senate can’t suspend Natasha beyond 14 days

    At the mention of the case on Monday, lawyers to the Clerk, the Senate and Akpabio told the court that their clients were not yet served with court documents so far filed by the applicant. 

    Applicant’s lawyer, Michael Numa, (SAN) said all the respondents had been served and that evidence of service were already before the court.

    Justice Egwuatu then went through the court’s file and confirmed that the respondents had been served as required.

    Akpabio’s lawyer, Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN) subsequently sought an adjornment for parties to regularise all processes.

    Lawyers to the other respondents agreed with Ogunwumiju’s submission, noting that it would prevent delay on the next adjourned date.

    Justice Egwatu, in a ruling, ordered that all relevant processes should be filed and served on parties in the case before the next adjourned date.

    The judge then adjourned the matter until March 25 for hearing.

  • Concerned Nigerians in Diaspora condemn suspension of Natasha, vow to petition global bodies

    Concerned Nigerians in Diaspora condemn suspension of Natasha, vow to petition global bodies

    The Concerned Nigerians in Diaspora, a forum representing Nigerians living abroad, has condemned the recent suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Senate, describing it as a grave injustice and a dangerous precedent for women’s empowerment in Africa.

    In a statement signed by its Convener, Comrade Seyi Oladipo, the group decried the six-month suspension imposed on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. 

    The forum insister that the process leading to her suspension was flawed and intended to silence a female lawmaker who dared to speak out.

    Convener of Concerned Nigerians in Diaspora, Comrade Seyi Oladipo said: “This is an affront to justice and democracy. The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is not just about her as an individual—it is about the broader implications for women in leadership and governance across Africa. 

    “If a female senator can be punished for speaking up, then what hope is there for ordinary women who face discrimination and harassment daily?” 

    The group also condemned the use of hired protests aimed at discrediting Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling it a desperate attempt to tarnish her reputation.

    Read Also: How Natasha accused me of sexual harassment, by Reno Omokri

    “We have seen the orchestrated smear campaign against her, with paid protests and baseless accusations. This is a shameful tactic to suppress a courageous woman who has remained steadfast in her fight for justice and good governance. The world must take note of this injustice,” Oladipo stated.

    As part of its response, the Concerned Nigerians in Diaspora announced that it will be forwarding petitions to international human rights organizations, women’s advocacy groups, and global political institutions to draw attention to the alarming case.

    “We will not stand by and watch as this dangerous precedent takes root. We are taking this matter to the appropriate global bodies to ensure that justice is served and that Nigeria’s democracy does not become a tool for silencing women,” Oladipo added.

    The group is calling on the Federal Government and relevant authorities to reverse the suspension and uphold principles of justice, fairness, and gender equity in governance.

  • Maku: why Senate can’t suspend Natasha beyond 14 days

    Maku: why Senate can’t suspend Natasha beyond 14 days

    A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State and former Warri North Local Government Council Chairman, Chief Francis Maku, has said the Senate lacks the power to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan beyond 14 days, saying it violates the rights of her constituents to representation.

    Maku described the six-month suspension as harsh and not reflecting the principles of fair hearing and freedom of speech as enshrined in the 1999 constitution which supersedes any other laws.

    While calling on the Senate to rescind its decision and reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan, he said: “In Senator Ali Ndume v. Senate (2018), the Court of Appeal ruled that the Senate lacks the power to suspend a Senator beyond a reasonable period (often not exceeding 14 days), as it violates the rights of the constituents. “The people of Kogi Central cannot be left behind without a voice in the red Chamber in the desperation of few to achieve unrealistic conclusions,” Maku added.

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    He also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to wade into to matter as a matter of urgency.

    He said: “The Senate is a respected public institution and must not be seen as a biased establishment where equal right of fairness is not given to a particular constituency thereby depriving the people of Kogi Central of their rights of proportional representation in governance.”

    Reacting to the Senate Leader’s statement that Natasha-Uduaghan’s suspension was due to flagrant disobedience to the Senate’s standing rules, Maku said freedom of speech is a fundamental right of all citizens, adding that the Constitution reigns supreme in matters of public interest.

  • Lion and the jewel

    Lion and the jewel

    One thing is sure. The history of the Senate, nay, the history of law making in Nigeria will never be written without that compound name: Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Some might even add, that that provenance must include the history of Nigerian politics. At least, the history of Nigeria romance, high-profile or low, city or subaltern. The history of man and woman. An inflexion point since that Edenic dawn when Eve slew Adam with her guile – maybe not!

    Some might call it a story of impertinence. The story of rebellion. A legislative equivalent of a gang rape. A penile tale. A servile tale. No one can dispute that it is the story of beauty. A woman, fair, imperious, intelligent, daring, against a powerful man.

    It is understandable that many thought she was suspended because of her sexual harassment charge. That is the power of sex, and beauty. Beauty is a dazzle, an obfuscation. The imagination of the public was entranced into a one-sided verdict, charmed by beauty into a foreordained fable. Steamrolled, henpecked. Beauty will save the world. Dostoyevsky might mean it in other lights. Not in the context of Natasha. Maybe Austrian Poet, Rainer Maria Rilke, garlands the right sentiment. Says he: “Beauty is the beginning of terror.” In another place he writes, “an angel is terrible.”

    Senator Godswill Akpabio is a lover of humour who says he would be a comedian, if he comes to this world again. It’s no time for humour.

    First, the people say the Senate “gang-raped” the woman by not giving her fair hearing. Fair hearing? She sat on the wrong seat, against the rule. She wanted a better chair so she could be seen and preen, her vanity toppling the law? She wanted to stand up in the majesty of her resplendence, sash over her dainty locks and head, her eyes bold and her skin aglow. Camera as witness.

    Her accusation was about a public fantasy about a man and a beauty, Soyinka’s Lion and the Jewel, a beauty and a beast. That sort of fantasy can invoke rage. The rage about justice, a powerful man oppressing a fragile creature, a man exploiting patriarchy in a legislature full of red-blooded souls. Also, about envy, about why a man should amass such powers, and not them, why a woman should have such beauty, and not them. It is about opportunity. Time to nail Akpabio, the man who said things they did not like. Like “we are eating.”

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    But the issue is the issue. Did Natasha have proof of her case? Was it because she had been shunted out of the limelight? So, she decided to behead the man at the top? She was given an opportunity to appear before the panel, but she scorned them. She said she has concrete evidence, but no one has seen it. Shall we crucify Akpabio because he is a man, because he is her “boss,” because he can tease and make sexual advances? All men can make sexual advances. It does not mean when a man does it, it is true.

    Beauty is a magnet. It is a snare both for the woman and the man. This is not the first time beauty will subdue headlines. When it erupts, we forget everything. We forget bad governance, tribe and faith. We forget education policy, the slum of Mushin, the billions stolen yesterday, the foibles of tyranny.

    In the military era, a certain beauty known as Jennifer Madueke rocked the nation, a svelte, fair, benumbing vision, captured the imagination. It was a different kind of story. It was during the IBB years.  Names plopped down into the public ears.  From army generals to inspector general of police Oyakhilome to, can you imagine, Beko Ransome-Kuti. Civil rights took back seats to the blights of the flesh. A journalist, now famous, pointed her neck as the centre of her power. Neck like a cake, ramrod like a snake. She was the day’s Delilah. A beauty knocking down the mighty. It was a story of drugs and lust, penis and penance.

    Nor is it new. Even the only man God called his friend in the Bible was in thrall of a beauty naked in the wash, Bathsheba, who birthed a child that birthed many who birthed the holy Jesus. How could we have the Anglican Church today without a beauty. Anne Boleyn captured Henry the Eighth, who admired “her pretty duckies,” who must marry her first and upturn divorce history, and cut off the Catholic Church and form the Anglican. If beauty is the beginning of terror, as Rilke asserts, the king beheaded Boleyn, because of another beauty. Recently IMF chief failed to be French president because of a bubble of perversion with a West Arican immigrant and hotel maid, a tale retold with gusto and bravura in Chimamanda Adiche’s new novel, Dream Count.

    In ancient times, we learned of Cleopatra, who entrapped Antony and slaughtered her brother. Theodora was so beautiful that emperor Justinian of Rome changed the law to marry her , though a whore, a whore who fired male senses more than any seraph. If beauty formed a church and broke another, it touched off the greatest war in the ancient world. It was because Jason married Helen of Troy. Shaka the Zulu fell because of Noliwe, and Thomas Mofolo retells this tale but not as succinctly as Poet Senghor who wrote “the weakness of the heart is holly…” and he killed the beauty in order to “escape doubt.”

    But it is doubt that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan leaves in the trail of her petition. For two reasons, though. One, she accused the man in his house, and the husband did not hear, and the space between them and the man? We need geographic illumination. It is interesting that the man did not say he heard to buttress his wife. Two, Reno Omokri she accused has proven her wrong in public. Her past has tainted her credibility until she has “concrete evidence.” Many may be enthralled with the witchcraft of her beauty, to paraphrase Shakespeare, but her claim must be proved. As Virginia Woolf writes, “Nothing has really happened until it has been recorded.”

  • Natasha’s suspension: Who said what?

    Natasha’s suspension: Who said what?

    The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for misconduct by the Senate on Thursday has continued to generate controversy. While some see the action as illegal and unjust, others have hailed it as the right thing to do to preserve the integrity of the Senate as an institution by ensuring that its rules are strictly adhered to by members.

    Events unfolded in quick succession on the fateful day after Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan sought to raise a point of order.

    She was recognized by Senate President Akpabio.

    She wanted to submit a new petition to the Senate on alleged sexual harassment by Senate President. She said the petition was signed by one of her constituents.

    Akpabio, after asking whether the petition had any legal encumbrances and receiving a negative response from Akpoti-Uduaghan, referred the petition to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions to report back in four weeks.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan had on Wednesday submitted a similar petition but the Senate rejected it saying it violated order 40(4) which bars a senator from submitting petitions signed by them

    Thereafter, the Senate proceeded to its next order for the day which was to “receive and consider the report of the Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions on the incident of alleged disorder caused by Distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Thursday 20th February, 2025 over the reallocation of her seat in the senate chamber.”

    The Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen (LP – Edo South), presented the report entitled: “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.

    Senator Adeyemi Raphael Adaramodu (Ekiti South) drew the attention of the Senate to the Thursday incident when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, protested the reallocation of her seat in the Senate Chamber.

    Adaramodu said the outbursts by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and comments by some sections of the public on the matter were off the track.

    He urged the Senate to be “guided by the Standing Orders in all things.”

    Senator Imasuen in the course of his presentation, said the committee observed: “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 are  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 bordering on allegation 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.”

    He added that Order 40 (7) of the Senate Standing Orders 2023, as amended, provides that the Senate should not receive or deliberate, or entertain any matter to which actions are pending in any court of law.

    He added: “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.

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    “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 noted that “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.”

    Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (APC – Ondo South) who seconded the report presented by Imasuen urged the Senate to approve and adopt all the prayers therein.

    Ibrahim said the action and attitude of the Kogi lawmaker contravened the rules of the Senate and she should be made to bear the consequences of her actions.

    Ibrahim said: “As Senator Opeyemi Bamidele used to say, the Senate is an institution and it is above any person here. The institution must be protected for the survival of democracy. I think we as Senators, we cannot make rules for ourselves and obey those rules in breach.

    “When we make little laws, we should obey them if we want Nigerians to also obey the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is on this note I believe and strongly feel that we must obey our laws. Section 1(2) of the Constitution says that any Act of parliament that contradicts the constitution to the extent of this inconsistency, is void and of no effect.

    “Applying that to the Senate, we made our red book our rules; any practice of any senator, no matter how highly placed, that is inconsistent with the provisions of the rules, as succinctly quoted by the ethics committee in this report, that behavior of such a senator is to the extent of such inconsistency, a violation of the rules.

    “Unfortunately, you as a liberalist, there is nothing you can do about it. Let me say clearly, if any of us violates the rules, the executive is not going to come here to discipline Senators.

    “The executive has their own rules. The Senate cannot go to the executive and discipline ministers. Should the judiciary violate their own rules, they have the National Judicial Council that disciplines judges. Every institution that is sacrosanct in the democratic process of Nigeria, has its own rules and regulations.

    “Let me say clearly that this report also alluded to the fact that the constitution gives us right to regulate our conduct. It is in obedience to this rules that our integrity should be upheld.