Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to apologize publicly, stating that her actions undermine the dignity of the Senate. He stressed that the Senate is not a reality show and should not be treated as such.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had attempted twice to return to the Senate after being suspended for six months. She claimed that a Federal High Court ruling nullified her suspension, giving her the right to resume her duties. However, she was prevented from entering the chamber on both occasions.
In a statement issued on Monday by Akpabio’s aide, Kenny Okolugbo, it was clarified that her appeal to the Court of Appeal contradicts her claim. He pointed specifically to Ground 23 in the case Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly & Others, which noted that while the judge saw the suspension as excessive and beyond constitutional authority, the court did not clearly nullify or set aside the suspension.
Okolugbo argued that this undermines her claim of reinstatement and accused her of misleading the public. He said, “There was no official communication from the court to the Senate Clerk or leadership directing her reinstatement. Instead, she arrived at the National Assembly with cameras and supporters in what was clearly a staged spectacle.”
He further added, “The Senate is not a reality show. You don’t force your way into a constitutionally regulated chamber.”
He explained that had there been a valid court order, proper internal processes would have been followed. The Clerk would notify Senate leadership, who would then deliberate and make a formal decision.
According to Okolugbo, her suspension was in line with Senate rules and constitutional provisions under Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution and the Standing Orders. He said the matter was not personal but procedural.
“All she needed to do was apologise publicly, and the suspension would have been lifted. Even the Brekete Family advised her to do so, but she refused,” he stated.
He also noted that legislative duties in her constituency, Kogi Central, were not disrupted during her suspension. Her sponsored bills, including one establishing a Federal Medical Centre in Ihima, continued to progress.
Okolugbo warned that actions like Natasha’s could set a dangerous precedent for women in politics. “Nigeria has only four female senators. When one weaponises gender and distorts the truth, it undermines real struggles and damages credibility,” he said.