***Laments ordeal with Unrelenting Harassment

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s clash with Senate President Godswill Akpabio dominated her live interview on Human Rights Radio on Friday, where she detailed her Senate ordeal and alleged political targeting.
Recall that heated confrontation unfolded during Thursday’s Senate plenary session when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) protested the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, leading to tense moments in the chamber.
The session took an unexpected turn when Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived to find her seat reassigned, with her nameplate removed. Outraged, she immediately raised her voice in protest, demanding an explanation for what she perceived as an unjustified move.

During a live appearance on Berekete Radio, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan gave insights to the circumstances surrounding the face-off with the Senate President and the rowdy session.
Reacting to the unexpected call from the show’s host, she expressed initial hesitation but acknowledged her deep respect for the platform.
“I wasn’t expecting this call, and I’ve actually turned down several interview requests. But I have great respect for you, so I will respond as best as I can,” she said.
Allegations of Harassment and Political Isolation
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan revealed that she has faced continuous harassment and exclusion since a nightclub incident last year. According to her, she has been denied key privileges, including participation in international engagements.
“I was nominated for a United Nations event, but my name was struck out. Since last year, every international event I’ve attended has been self-sponsored. If I believe an event is important for my constituents, Nigerian women, or the country, I pay for my own tickets and fund my trips without speaking about it,” she explained.
She also alleged that the recent rearrangement of Senate seating positions was a strategic move to silence and sideline her.
“Senate seating arrangements are critical. The closer you sit, the better your chances of being seen and called upon to contribute. I was already sitting at the back, just before the door, and now I was suddenly moved to an even more obscure position—without any notice. In that seat, the cameras don’t capture you, and raising your hand doesn’t guarantee being called upon,” she lamented.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan further alleged that she was recently removed from the Local Content Committee due to unfounded accusations of diverting Niger Delta resources to the North.
“This is simply not true. The Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano pipeline, set for completion in the second quarter of this year, requires feed gas. With Nigeria pushing for industrialization and CNG adoption, we need proper gas supply across the country, including the North. The President even signed an executive order on this, so why am I being singled out?” she questioned.
She claimed that the Senate leadership is planning her suspension, but she remains undeterred.
“Yesterday, I invoked Order 10, which allows a senator to defend their rights if they feel they are being unfairly treated. Instead of being suspended outright, I requested to be sent to the Ethics and Privileges Committee for a fair hearing. If I hadn’t done that, I would have been suspended immediately. But I know they are still planning to suspend me,” she stated.
Despite the challenges, she reassured Nigerians that she remains committed to serving her people.
“If they suspend me, it won’t stop me from doing my work. I appreciate the support of Nigerians who continue to stand by me,” she said
Speaking on the program, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan detailed what she described as a pattern of harassment, exclusion, and political victimization, which she said is aimed at silencing her.

Amid the growing tension, Hon. Dr. Onujagbe Nasir, Deputy Secretary-General of Egbira Voice Worldwide, has written an open letter to Senate President Akpabio, demanding a public apology for what he described as misogyny, intimidation, and abuse of power.
The letter further urged the Senate President to issue a public apology to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District, Respect the rights and dignity of all senators, regardless of gender, region, or party affiliation and ensure the Senate remains a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all lawmakersat’s Next?

The letter reads,

Dear Senate President Akpabio,

“I am writing to express my strongest protest against your conduct towards our Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan during today’s (Thursday 20, February, 2025) Senate session. “Your actions were undesirable, unacceptable, unbecoming, and a clear violation of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s rights as a duly elected representative of the people like you.

“The altercation began over a seating arrangement which could have seamlessly handle escalated into a heated exchange. Instead of resolving the issue amicably, you resorted to condescending remarks, trying to silencing Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, and instructing the Sergeant-at-Arms to intervene ¹. This behavior is a clear display of misogyny, bullying, disrespect, and abuse of power.

“Furthermore, your actions undermine the principles of equality, fairness, and justice that our democracy is founded upon. As the Senate President, it is your duty to uphold these principles, not to perpetuate a culture of intimidation, harassment, discrimination and beer parlour gangsterism behaviours.

“Your persecution of distinguished senator Natasha Akpoti-uduaghan has been traced to the foundation lying of LNG stations at Ajaokuta Steel Company limited in which you (Senate president) had accosted Natasha of carting the south-south resources to northern state.
“You have equally removed senator Natasha Akpoti-uduaghan from the chairperson of Local Content Committee, a position you felt gave her the audacity to facilitate the LNG stations to Ajaokuta Steel Company limited.

“I demand that you take immediate action to:

– Apologize to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Kogi Central Senatorial district for your unacceptable behavior
– Respect the rights and dignity of all senators, regardless of gender or party affiliation
– Ensure that the Senate provides a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all members
“Your actions will be closely monitored, but you can rewrite your history by righting the wrongs as I expect a prompt response regarding the steps you will take to address this situation

“Your actions were undesirable, unacceptable, and unbecoming of a leader. The altercation over a mere seating arrangement could have been resolved amicably. Instead, you chose intimidation and an attempt to silence Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.”

Meanwhile, political analysts believe that this issue has further exposed deep divisions within the Senate and could set a precedent for how female legislators are treated in Nigeria’s political space.

With growing public interest and calls for accountability, all eyes are now on the Senate leadership’s next move.

For many young girls, the arrival of their first period is met with confusion, fear, and even shame.
Dr. Valda Martins, a lecturer at the Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna, knows this feeling all too well.
She vividly recalls her own experience, how a lack of information left her terrified and unprepared. Now, she is determined to change that narrative.
At the launch of her new book, Menstrual Hygiene Among Women, Dr. Martins made a passionate call for increased awareness and sensitization on menstrual hygiene.
She emphasized that poor menstrual hygiene is not just a personal issue but a public health crisis, contributing to rising cases of cervical cancer, infections, and school absenteeism among young girls.

“The day my first period arrived, I trembled in fear, convinced it was an issue of blood from the Bible story. That trauma became my inspiration. No girl should feel such shame or confusion again,” she shared.

Beyond awareness, Dr. Martins pointed out poverty as a major barrier to proper menstrual hygiene.
With Nigeria’s economic challenges, many girls and women struggle to afford sanitary pads, forcing them to resort to unsafe alternatives that can lead to infections and long-term health complications.
Her book launch was not just about pages of research, it was a mission to dismantle myths, empower girls, and push for policy changes.
Through her NGO, Succeeding Against All Odds (SAAO), she has interacted with over 6,000 girls in Niger State and the FCT, Bwari Area Council, discovering that 90% of them lack basic knowledge of menstrual hygiene.

“This revelation birthed a mission—first, a solo effort, and later with my incredible team at SAAO. For seven months now, we’ve also expanded to mental health because a girl’s well-being is holistic.”

Dr. Martins stressed that poor menstrual hygiene directly affects a girl’s mental health and academic performance. Girls missing school due to menstruation lose valuable learning time, deepening gender inequality in education.
The former Governor of Niger State, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Hamisu Jankaro, praised the book as a must-read for every teacher and girl in the state.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Barrister Merio Mann, also lauded the initiative, calling it a step beyond mere advocacy.

“This is more than just distributing sanitary pads. This book ensures that the conversation about menstrual hygiene reaches homes, schools, and policymakers. It’s a guide for parents, teachers, and even shy guardians who struggle to discuss menstruation with their daughters.”

Dr. Martins aligned her advocacy with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly: SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation and SDG 10: Reduced Inequality

She believes that making menstrual hygiene education a right, not a privilege, will improve school enrollment, reduce stigma, and foster gender equity.

“As the UN states: ‘Menstrual health is not a luxury. It is a human right.’ Every child deserves access to this knowledge, and this book is a step toward that empowerment.”

Dr. Martins urged government institutions, parents, and NGOs to step up efforts in providing menstrual education and hygiene products for young girls. She stressed that access to clean water and sanitation in schools is essential for proper menstrual hygiene management.
Her book, more than a publication, is a movement—one aimed at replacing shame with knowledge, fear with confidence, and silence with empowerment.
With a growing call for action and an inspiring advocate like Dr. Martins leading the charge, the future looks brighter for young girls navigating their journey to womanhood, informed, confident, and unafraid.

At the inaugural meeting of the Senate Committee on Diaspora, newly appointed Chairman Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan unveiled a strategic plan to address the “Japa” syndrome—the mass emigration of Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad.
She emphasized that reversing this trend requires creating an enabling environment that encourages Nigerians to stay and invest in their home country.
Speaking in the presence of outgoing Chairman Senator Victor Umeh, Vice Chairman Anthony Harris, and other committee members, Akpoti-Uduaghan highlighted the urgent need for structural economic reforms to retain Nigerian talent and harness the diaspora’s potential for national development.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan acknowledged that forcing people to stay in Nigeria is not an option. Instead, she stressed that creating an attractive and stable economic environment would naturally encourage Nigerians to remain and thrive.
“We cannot keep losing our best brains to other countries. However, the solution is not to force them to stay. People stay where opportunities are abundant, security is assured, and governance is functional. Nigeria must provide these conditions to stop the Japa syndrome,” she stated.

To address this, the senator proposed three key strategies to include Establishing a Diaspora Investment and Development Bank
She advocated for the creation of a Diaspora Bank, where Nigerians abroad can invest their remittances into structured projects in Nigeria.
This bank, she said would be managed by trusted professionals, would allow diaspora contributions to be channeled into sectors like healthcare, infrastructure, and technology.
“Diaspora remittances contribute over $21 billion annually to Nigeria’s economy. We must create a system where this wealth can be strategically invested in sectors that will drive economic growth, instead of being consumed on daily expenses alone,” she explained.
The second strategy she is to expand Economic Opportunities and Industry Development
She pointed out that countries like India and Ethiopia have successfully harnessed their diaspora by establishing industries where returning citizens can work and contribute their expertise.
Akpoti-Uduaghan called for the development of high-tech zones, textile hubs, and manufacturing sectors, ensuring that skilled professionals can return home to viable job opportunities.
“Nigeria must take lessons from countries like India, which dominates the global ICT sector, and Ethiopia, which has established over 80 thriving textile industries with the help of its diaspora. We must replicate these models,” she said.
The third strategy she proposed is the creation of a Comprehensive Nigerian Diaspora Database
The senator emphasized the importance of gathering accurate data on Nigerians abroad to properly engage, integrate, and support their participation in national development.
She proposed working with embassies to compile data on Nigerians in America, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Africa, identifying their skills and potential contributions.
“How many Nigerians are in America? Canada? Europe? We need to know. Data drives decision-making. We must also track how diaspora funds are used to ensure transparency and accountability,” she stated.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also stressed the need to engage international organizations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and other global NGOs that provide funding, training, and technical expertise for development projects.
She further announced plans to organize a Nigeria Diaspora Business Summit, where Nigerian professionals abroad can showcase their innovations, businesses, and investment opportunities in the country.
“Our goal is to make Nigeria a hub where our citizens, whether at home or abroad, feel confident to invest, return, and build their future,” she concluded.
Former Chairman Senator Victor Umeh praised Akpoti-Uduaghan’s leadership and expressed confidence in her ability to transform the diaspora engagement agenda.
“She is energetic, visionary, and ready to break new ground. I am optimistic that she will drive significant reforms to maximize the potential of Nigeria’s diaspora community,” Umeh stated.
The inaugural meeting marked the beginning of a new era for Nigeria’s diaspora engagement, with Akpoti-Uduaghan vowing to work closely with the Presidency, international stakeholders, and Nigerians abroad to ensure a sustainable and inclusive national development strategy.