- Accuses Senate leadership of plot to suspend her
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has accused the Senate leadership of plotting to suspend her in a bid to silence her voice.
Speaking during an interview on Human Rights Radio on Friday, the lawmaker alleged that she has faced consistent intimidation and harassment since joining the Senate.
“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 said.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s remarks followed a confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Thursday over the reassignment of her seat in the chamber. She described the move as a deliberate attempt to sideline her and limit her visibility during legislative proceedings.
“Changing my seat was just a way of silencing or alienating me from being seen. Sitting position is important. The nearer your seat is to the cameras, the better your chances of being called upon to contribute to debates.”
She further revealed that she had already been sitting at the back of the chamber but was recently moved to an even more isolated position.
“I was suddenly moved to the far corner without any notice or explanation. It’s a part where the cameras don’t capture.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan also alleged that she has been excluded from major international events and denied official travel privileges. According to her, she was removed from a Senate committee because some colleagues accused her of diverting resources from the Niger Delta to the North.
“I’m facing a lot of harassment. Many of my privileges have been denied. I have been pulled out of several international activities that I was originally a part of.”
She claimed her name was struck out from a United Nations event she had been nominated for and that she has been forced to personally fund her international engagements.
“Every international event I have attended since last year has been self-sponsored. Whenever I see an event that is important to my constituents, Nigerian women, and the country, I buy my own tickets and fund my trips myself. I just don’t speak about it.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan called for fair treatment and equal opportunities within the Senate, stating that she only wants to focus on delivering for her constituents.
Her allegations have yet to receive a formal response from the Senate leadership.
Watch the video below.
