Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has vowed to expose Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s leadership style after being referred to the Senate Ethics Committee. She insists on a live broadcast of the probe amid allegations of misconduct.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has declared her intention to expose Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s leadership style. This comes in response to her referral to the Senate’s Ethics and Disciplinary Committee following a heated confrontation with Akpabio over her seat relocation in the Senate chambers.
In a strong statement shared via her Instagram page, Akpoti-Uduaghan insisted that the probe proceedings should be conducted transparently and open to the public.
Akpoti-Uduaghan Calls for Live Probe Coverage
The senator made her stance clear in her social media post, where she emphasized the need for openness in the investigation process.
She wrote: “Good morning, courageous people of Kogi Central, Kogi State, and Nigeria. Inasmuch as I have refrained from publicly speaking on the matter and a lot of occurrences at the Senate under Senate President Akpabio, 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. And to Nigerians, please be sure to join the probe, which I shall insist would be covered live. The next few days and weeks shall be interesting but will shape the standard and quality of Nigeria’s leadership.”
Her remarks follow a petition against her, filed by the Northern Youths Advocacy for Excellence, to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. The petition accuses Akpoti-Uduaghan of corruption, abuse of power, and mistreatment of staff within the Senate Committee on Local Content, which she chairs.
The petitioners have urged the committee to conduct a thorough investigation into what they described as her “illegal, subversive, and intimidating activities” and to impose necessary disciplinary measures.
Despite the allegations, Akpoti-Uduaghan has firmly denied any wrongdoing. She has pledged to maintain transparency throughout the investigation and has vowed to openly address the accusations, along with other issues concerning the leadership of the Senate.
The controversy stems from an altercation last week when she protested the relocation of her Senate seat. The situation escalated into a heated verbal exchange with Senate President Akpabio, who subsequently ordered security to escort her out of the chambers. However, intervention from other senators prevented her removal.
Following the incident, the Senate’s spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s conduct, stating: “The Senate is not for entertainment.”
Symfoni News reports that on Tuesday, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a N100.3 billion defamation lawsuit against Senate President Akpabio and others involved in the controversy.
Akwa Ibom Group Defends Akpabio
Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District Diaspora Professionals, a socio-political group, has condemned the attacks on Akpabio, asserting that he acted within the rules of the Senate.
In a statement issued by its chairman, Moffat Ekoriko, the group defended the Senate President’s actions and criticized those accusing him of gender bias, particularly former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili.
The statement read:
“We also view with disdain the comments of Oby Ezekwesili, who implied that the Senate President has an issue with female legislators. We dare tell her that Senator Akpabio is a high priest of women empowerment, and the facts speak to this.”
The group highlighted Akpabio’s past efforts in promoting gender equality during his tenure as the governor of Akwa Ibom State.
“During his tenure as the governor of Akwa Ibom State, he introduced and enforced a rule that women must account for one-third of elected and appointed public officers.
“In any local government council that a man was the chairman (appointed or elected), he made sure that a woman was the vice chairman. Some of the councils had women as council chairmen. This is definitely not the antecedent of a man who has issues with women.”
The group further urged those attacking the Senate President to desist, stressing that he should be allowed to carry out his leadership duties without undue distractions.
“It smacks of mischief for people to use a matter, for which the Senate President acted according to the rules, to launch personal attacks on him. We wonder what the actors of this script want to achieve. We call on those attacking the Senate President to desist forthwith and allow the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions to do its job.”
The group reaffirmed its confidence in Akpabio’s leadership, describing him as an accomplished public servant who deserves respect.
Related:
South-South Women Condemns Natasha’s Ourtburst on Senate President, Akpabio
Shocking! Senator Natasha Challenges Senate President over Seating Position in Assembly Plenary
“Senator Akpabio is an accomplished public servant who deserves to be respected. We take exception to any disrespect of his person or office. We stand by Akpabio.”
The unfolding drama between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio has intensified Nigeria’s political discourse. With Akpoti-Uduaghan demanding a live broadcast of her probe, and Akpabio’s supporters pushing back against criticism, the coming weeks could reshape the dynamics of the Senate.
As the Ethics Committee prepares to investigate the allegations, all eyes remain on the Senate chambers to see how this political battle unfolds.
z6xtv7
I really happy to find this site on bing, just what I was looking for : D also saved to fav.