CurrenReport Blog The lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has accused the Senate leadership of trying to silence her through intimidation and possible suspension.
Speaking in an interview on Human Rights Radio on Friday, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that she has faced continuous harassment since joining the Senate and warned that plans were underway to suspend her from legislative duties.
“I know that right now, they are planning my suspension. If I am suspended, fine, it will not stop me from doing my work wherever I can,” she stated.
Confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio
Her claim follows a heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Thursday regarding the reassignment of her Senate seat. She described the move as a deliberate attempt to reduce her visibility and limit her participation in important debates.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has been vocal about governance and national development issues, believes the Senate leadership is intentionally sidelining her contributions.
Allegations of Exclusion from Key Activities
In addition to the alleged intimidation, the senator revealed that she has been excluded from important international events and denied official travel privileges.
“There was a United Nations event I was nominated to attend, but my name was struck out. They will not promote me in any international activity,” she claimed.
She also alleged that she was removed from a Senate committee after some colleagues accused her of diverting resources from the Niger Delta to the North.
“I’m facing a lot of harassment. I have been going through a lot and have remained quiet because I didn’t want my words to be misinterpreted,” she said.
“I don’t want any lawsuits against me; I just want to be given a chance to work. A lot of my privileges have been denied. I have been removed from many international activities I was originally part of.”
Political Tensions in the Senate
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations highlight growing tensions within the Nigerian Senate, where power struggles and political maneuvering often influence legislative decisions.
If her claims are true, it could raise serious concerns about internal democracy, gender representation, and fairnessin the Nigerian legislative system.
While the Senate leadership has yet to respond to her accusations, the issue is expected to spark public debate and political reactions in the coming days.
What’s Next for Akpoti-Uduaghan?
Despite the alleged attempts to sideline her, Akpoti-Uduaghan remains determined to continue her work, whether within or outside the Senate.
Her outspoken nature and commitment to representing Kogi Central have earned her significant public support, and her case could become a major talking point in Nigerian politics.
