Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has vowed to expose the leadership style of Senate President Godswill Akpabio after a recent clash over a seating arrangement dispute. The altercation led to her referral to the Senate’s Ethics and Disciplinary Committee.
In a statement on her Instagram, Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed her readiness to appear before the committee but demanded that the proceedings be open to the public, calling for the probe to be broadcast live. She urged Nigerians to watch and be part of the investigation.
“Good morning, courageous people of Kogi Central, Kogi State, and Nigeria,” she wrote.
“Although I have remained silent on the Senate President’s leadership and events in the Senate, it is time for me to speak out.”
She continued, inviting Arise News to set a date for an in-person interview, where no questions would be off-limits. She also emphasized that the upcoming probe would significantly influence Nigeria’s leadership standards and quality.
The senator’s statement came after the Northern Youths Advocacy for Excellence filed a petition against her with the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
The petition accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of corruption, abuse of power, and mistreatment of Senate staff in her role as chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content.
It called for a thorough investigation into her “illegal, subversive, and intimidating actions” and recommended appropriate disciplinary action.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, has denied all allegations, maintaining her innocence and insisting on transparency throughout the process. She promised to address these accusations and other issues involving Senate leadership openly.
The controversy began last week when Akpoti-Uduaghan confronted Senate President Akpabio over the relocation of her seat in the Senate chamber.
Their exchange grew heated, and Akpabio reportedly instructed security to escort her out. However, the situation de-escalated after the intervention of other senators.
In a subsequent statement, the Senate, via spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu, rebuked Akpoti-Uduaghan for challenging the Senate President, reminding her that the Senate was a place for serious deliberation, not entertainment.
In response to the situation, Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a defamation lawsuit valued at N100.3 billion against Akpabio and others involved.
