***Demonstrators Accuse Senator of Undermining the Senate, Call for Stronger Measures
A group of protesters gathered at the National Assembly entrance on Tuesday, demanding stricter sanctions against Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over allegations of mobilizing supporters against the Senate.
The demonstrators, under the banner of Women for Good Governance, accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of working with individuals allegedly attempting to discredit Senate President Godswill Akpabio and destabilize the National Assembly.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Senator Natasha is a serial blackmailer,” “Senate Committee on Local Content is a privilege, not a birthright,” and “Nigerian women for good governance ask Sen. Natasha to stop embarrassing women,” the protesters called for tougher penalties.
The protest was led by Enakeme Ojineme, Secretary of United Women for Good Governance, who reiterated the group’s stance against any attempts to undermine the Senate’s authority.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate for six months, effective March 6, 2025, following the adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Neda Emasuen.
Her suspension was linked to her alleged misconduct during the February 20 plenary session and refusal to comply with the seating arrangement. The Senate also imposed several penalties, including, Withdrawal of all security aides, Closure of her National Assembly office, Return of all Senate-owned property, Prohibition from entering the National Assembly premises, Suspension of salary and allowances for six months and Ban on representing herself as a senator locally and internationally
However, the Senate stated that her suspension could be reconsidered if she submits a written apology before the six-month period expires.
Speaking to journalists, Mrs. Ojineme dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Akpabio, describing them as politically motivated and part of a larger scheme to undermine his leadership.
“We, the United Women for Good Governance, believe this false allegation is politically driven, orchestrated by those seeking to take over the Senate Presidency at all costs,” Ojineme said.
She further condemned any efforts to destabilize the Senate through “unconventional, unlawful, and demonic means,” labeling such actions as treasonable.
“What these conspirators are doing is nothing short of stabbing democracy with a fiery dagger, which must be resisted by all well-meaning Nigerians,” she added.
Ojineme warned that if Akpoti-Uduaghan continues mobilizing supporters against the Senate, even harsher sanctions should be imposed.
“We encourage Nigerian senators and the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to remain steadfast in their duties and impose stricter sanctions on Senator Natasha if she continues inciting jobless youths and street beggars against the Nigerian Senate,” she declared.
This protest follows an earlier demonstration last Wednesday, when Kogi youths gathered at the National Assembly, demanding Senate President Akpabio’s resignation to allow an independent investigation into sexual harassment allegations against him.
The protest, led by lawyer Victor Giwa, called for a transparent and politically unbiased investigation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
Just two days later, Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended, a move some view as retaliation for the allegations.
With tensions rising between Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate leadership, political analysts are watching to see whether the Senate will maintain its hardline stance or reconsider its position in the coming months.
