TheNewsGuru

Tag: Godswill Akpabio

  • Baseless claims – Akpabio knocks Abbo over ‘malicious’ allegations against his leadership in Senate

    Baseless claims – Akpabio knocks Abbo over ‘malicious’ allegations against his leadership in Senate

    Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has sharply responded to former Senator Elisha Abbo’s recent criticism of his leadership, describing the claims as “baseless” and driven by “media theatrics.”

    TheNewsGuru recalls that Abbo during an interview on Arise News programme on Wednesday night, April 2, 2025 alleged that Akpabio is running the Nigerian Senate like a personal empire and targeting senators who oppose his views.

    In response, Akpabio’s Special Adviser on Media, Rt. Hon Eseme Eyiboh refuted Abbo’s allegations, emphasizing that the accusations were a continuation of “spurious and malicious” remarks made by the former Senator following his ouster from the Senate.

    Akpabio further dismissed Abbo’s claims of Senate interference, asserting that the legal process that led to his removal was conducted in accordance with the law and was not influenced by any political figures.

    The statement reads: “The attention of the Office of the President of the Senate has been drawn to another round of spurious and malicious accusations by Mr. Elisha Abbo, who unlawfully represented Adamawa North Senatorial District save a judicial intervention. He has again sought to blame the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, for the travail of his judicial sanction that occasioned his ouster from the Senate.

    “It is sad and regrettable that despite publicly retracting a similar allegation in 2023—after admitting that his earlier accusation was “premature and based on the available information at our disposal”—Mr. Abbo has once again embarked on a campaign of misinformation and blame transfer.

    “Following a discussion with the Senate President last year, Mr. Abbo himself acknowledged that Senator Akpabio had “no involvement” in the judicial process that led to his removal. It is puzzling that he would now return to the same baseless allegations he once renounced.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the Court of Appeal, after a thorough legal process, ruled unequivocally that Mr. Abbo’s presence in the Red Chamber was in error. The court determined that he was not validly elected as the Senator for Adamawa North, and consequently, he was removed.

    “The court acted in accordance with the extant laws and the Constitution within its sacred duty to uphold the rule of law. Senator Akpabio, a seasoned lawyer and democrat, holds the independence of the judiciary in the highest regard and would never interfere in its processes.

    “It is therefore both illogical and irresponsible for Mr. Abbo to now turn around and allege that the Senate President influenced a court judgment—a judgment which he himself accepted at the time and for which he expressed contrition for his earlier unfounded claims. ( see Punch newspaper of 18th October, 2023).

    “Mr. Abbo has also sought to create the impression that he was unjustly denied official benefits following his ouster. He claims entitlement to salaries, allowances, and even an official vehicle, despite the court’s declaration that his tenure was null and void ab initio.

    “In matters of financial and administrative processing, it must be stated that the Senate President only approves payments that have been duly vetted and forwarded by the appropriate administrative units, in line with extant laws, Senate procedures, and standard due diligence practices.

    “If any of Mr. Abbo’s claims for payment did not reach the desk of the Senate President, it is because they failed to meet these lawful standards—not because of any personal or political vendetta.

    “It is unfortunate that instead of accepting the consequences of his legal and political failings, Mr. Abbo continues to resort to media theatrics and reckless finger-pointing. Even more telling is his record of public conduct. Nigerians will recall that in 2019, he was caught on video assaulting a female citizen in Abuja—an incident for which he was ordered by a competent court to pay N50 million in damages. This is a matter of public record and speaks volumes about his temperament and disposition.

    “His recent outbursts about unpaid travels and imagined plots further reinforce the conclusion that his actions are driven not by facts or principle, but by bitterness and desperation to remain politically relevant. These claims are not only baseless, but they reek of grievance and a refusal to accept personal responsibility for his removal and loss of public trust.

    “Senator Godswill Akpabio remains focused on the noble task of nation-building, providing purposeful leadership in the Senate, and strengthening democratic institutions—especially the independence of the judiciary. He will not be distracted by the antics of individuals who seek to rewrite history to mask personal failures.

    “We urge Mr. Abbo to reflect deeply, respect the rule of law, and focus on rebuilding the confidence of his constituents if he hopes to return to public life. Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when its actors show maturity, responsibility, and an abiding respect for the truth.”

  • How Akpabio removed me after moving a strong motion – Senator Abbo makes huge allegations against senate president

    How Akpabio removed me after moving a strong motion – Senator Abbo makes huge allegations against senate president

    Former Senator representing Adamawa North Senatorial District of Adamawa state, Ishaku Elisha Abbo has fingered the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of orchestrating the removal of five senators, including himself.

    Abbo made the allegation during an interview on Arise News on Wednesday night, April 2, 2025 where he claimed that Akpabio runs the Nigerian Senate like a personal empire and targeting senators who oppose his views.

    The former lawmaker who became popular in 2019 when he assaulted a woman, Ms Osimibibra Warmate at a sex toy shop in Abuja said Akpabio privately met with him attempting to induce him with personal appeals and financial incentives.

    He, however, supported Senator Abdulaziz Yari’s bid for Senate President.

    He said, “He told me that five senators would be removed. I asked how he knew, and he said, ‘I am the Senate President. I know.’ True to his words, five of us were removed. I had no idea that I was one of them.

    “He came to my hotel room around 2 AM, asking for my support. I told him I was already committed to Yari. Later, at a meeting at Transcorp Hilton, $10,000 was being distributed, but I refused to take any money.”

    He further accused Akpabio of denying him travel reimbursements, blocking his participation in an international parliamentary assignment, and withholding his official vehicle after he was removed from office.

    He added, “Every other senator who was removed by the courts got their vehicles, but I was excluded. This is the level of vindictiveness displayed by Akpabio.

    “Now, let’s look at Senator Ali Ndume. When he raised concerns about the way things were being run in the Senate, he was removed as Chief Whip and stripped of his position as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

    “I also moved a motion to amend the Senate Standing Rules so that only senators who had served at least one term could contest for Senate leadership. But what did Akpabio do? He rewrote the rules to allow first-term senators to become leaders of both the majority and minority caucuses—just so he could control them.

    “Do you know that in Akpabio’s house, senators serve him tea?

    “Well, I am telling you now. And I told him, ‘You are no longer a governor. These senators are our colleagues, not your commissioners. They are not here to serve you tea.

    “I have always defended the integrity of the Senate. The issue is the leadership, not the institution itself.”

  • Akpabio speaks on Senator Natasha’s assassination claim

    Akpabio speaks on Senator Natasha’s assassination claim

    The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has declined to engage with the Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s assassination accusations, describing the matter as “subjudice.”

    TheNewsGuru reports that the Lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate while addressing thousands of jubilant constituents in her country home in Kogi on Tuesday  alleged that Akpabio contacted former Governor Yahaya Bello to start her recall and for her assassination.

    She also alleged that Akpabio had also contacted Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, to start her recall process, but the Governor refused, stating that the people were with her.

    She said: “Let me say this now, on the 14th of March, at 10:30 pm, mind you two days before that, that was on the 12th, Akpabio spoke to Governor Ododo to recall me. But he told him it would be impossible because the masses are with her, the people are with her.

    “When Akpabio was not satisfied, he then sent for Yahaya Bello. It was actually Senator Asuquo from Cross River that drove Yahaya Bello from Hilton Hotel, I was informed of everything. When I got to know, the meeting, it was in two folds. They told him to commence my recall and that he was going to fund it. Of course, money exchanged hands that night. The second thing he told him was that he should try and kill me. I didn’t make this public, but i wrote to the IG of Police.

    “And Akpabio told Yahaya Bello, I am standing by what I said, he told him that he should make sure that killing me did not happen in Abuja. That it should be done here so that it would seem as if it is the people that killed me here. I didn’t make that public, but we did notify the security agencies of that.”

    Reacting the senate president through his media aide Eseme Eyiboh, said, “There is no way to comment without linking it to the Senate President, who is a party to the suit,” Eyiboh said in an interview with The PUNCH.

    “That shows the level of respect she has for the rule of law herself. We cannot say anything more than that.”

    The Kogi State Government in a swifty response also condemned the senator’s allegations, calling them “reckless, malicious, and utterly false.”

     In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, the state described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions as a calculated attempt to incite unrest.

    “Her statement exposed her plans to use her visit to stir trouble and violence. We will not allow any part of the state to go up in flames,” the statement read.

    “She has proven once again to have no respect for law and order. She thrives on lies to manipulate public sympathy. Her actions are a security threat.”

    The government also accused her of violating the curfew and rally ban, asserting that her claims were meant to distract from her suspension and pending legal issues.

    “She is not a victim but an instigator of disorder,” the statement added, warning that she would be held responsible if any violence erupts in Kogi Central.

    Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been in the spotlight since accusing Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment.

    Her petition was dismissed by the Senate Ethics Committee, which instead handed her a six-month suspension without pay on March 6.

    Since then, the political crisis has deepened, with mounting tensions between her and top figures in both the legislative and executive arms of government.

  • Stop your derogatory comments against Akpabio, Danjuma Isaiah tells Atiku

    Stop your derogatory comments against Akpabio, Danjuma Isaiah tells Atiku

    A critical stakeholder in the North East geopolitical zone, Danjuma Isaiah, has cautioned former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to stop making derogatory comments about the Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    This was contained in an open letter made available to newsmen in Abuja late on Thursday, Mr. Isaiah stated that ‘It is hardly possible to build anything out of frustration and bitterness’, saying that’s the predicament of Atiku who has unsuccessfully contested for President for six times.

    The letter titled, “The Case of Going to Equity Without Clean Hands” reads, “My attention as a Public Affairs Commentator and Citizen of Wukari in Taraba State has been invited to various invectives of unprecedented dimension directed at His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio, by my brother, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar ostensibly to give oxygen to resurrect his endless political odyssey and sordid presidential ambition.

    “I am weighing into this public narrative to interrogate various disruptions triggered by some notable politicians like Atiku Abubakar in our national life.

    It is hardly possible to build anything out of frustration and bitterness. This is sadly the predicament of a one-time Vice President, Atiku Abubakar who is on course to being enlisted in the Guinness Book of Records, as the only person globally, who has unsuccessfully contested for President for six times spanning 33 years.

    “These bitterness and frustration have beclouded his reasoning. Atiku Abubakar, who is shamefully a dominant mention in every page of the corruption history in Nigeria, an insipid and serial sodomist, could have rather used the Ramadan period to seek for the atonement of his many mortal and monumental sins from the Almighty Allah, but his engagement in chicanery and unbridled umbrage in the most malicious and defamatory manner is the sad characterization of a man reputed for low family values and child abuse.

    “The series of pernicious lies peddled by Atiku deserve response in this era of positive and innovative Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which has invited collective actions for the growth and prosperity of Nigeria.

    “Atiku Abubakar’s corrupt practices have made Nigerians to reject him for a record six times.

    It is an established fact that Atiku Abubakar is one of the most corrupt Nigerian, having been associated with every high-profile corruption allegation in the country across the private and public sectors.

    “For those who don’t know, Atiku was the subject of a probe about 15 years ago by the United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs chaired by Senator Carl Levin. He was indicted for using offshore companies to siphon about 40 million dollars from Nigeria between 2000 and 2008 to his fourth wife in the United States, Jennifer Iwenjiora Douglas Abubakar (now divorced).

    “Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, whom Atiku served for 8 years as Vice President, in his book ’MY WATCH’, in the chapter, titled “Atiku and US Justice Entanglement”, gave a vivid account of “corrupt involvement” of Atiku with a company called iGATE and William Jefferson.

    Obasanjo equally linked Atiku to the embezzlement of $20 million, funds that were to be utilized by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), and another $125 million to fund PTDF during 2003 fiscal year.

    “The immediate past governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has also spoken eloquently about Atiku’s corrupt adventure. In his book, ’The Accidental Public Servant’, El-Rufai gave a detailed account of Atiku’s corrupt involvement in Ericsson’s deals, the PTDF scandal, Abuja Water Treatment Plant contract and his obsession with marabouts – these marabouts that have been deceiving him since 1991 that he will be president.

    “A serial women abuser, Atiku has divorced two of his wives since 1971 (Ladi and Jennifer). In the case of Jennifer, even after the divorce, he threatened and bullied her out of Nigeria. Jennifer had to sell her law chambers in Nigeria and relocated to the UK. He has been after the woman in an attempt to dispossess her of her assets and properties.

    “In the contrary, unlike Atiku Abubakar, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has for over two decades, conducted himself with integrity and transparency. His accomplishments in Akwa Ibom State, in particular, and Nigeria in general, are symbolized in the countless legacies of infrastructure, human capacity development and tourists’ hub.
    Just yesterday (Tuesday), the Super Eagles of Nigeria hosted The Warriors of Zimbabwe in a World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

    “The stadium, which is the only FIFA approved facility in Nigeria, was built by Akpabio as governor of the state. What did Atiku do for Adamawa state and Nigeria?

    “The Zimbabwean delegation also flew Ibom Air and landed at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo- all legacies of the Uncommon Transformer. But where are Atiku’s legacies for the people? He can only lay claim to a chain of businesses, which are products of pillaging and corrupt investments.

    “In all of these, it is crystal clear that Akpabio’s unflinching support for President Tinubu, who blocked Atiku’s emergence as the presidential candidate of the APC in 2015 and frustrated his return bid in 2019 and yet floored him in the 2023 general elections is the reason for Atiku’s hostile charge against the Senate President. But using Akpabio as a ladder to get to the president cannot do Atiku any good. Both Tinubu and Akpabio are united by the resolve to rejig and reset the nation and give Nigerians dividends of democracy, which Atiku as vice president worked tirelessly to undermine for personal aggrandizement.

    “It is also axiomatic that Atiku has started preparation for the 2027 general elections. As for Akpabio and Tinubu, they are preoccupied with state and governance issues and would not swim with the former vice president in his quest to distract the duo from delivering good governance to Nigerians.

    “When 2027 comes, Nigerians will, for the umpteenth time give, Atiku a black eye and vote the best candidate”.

  • Senator Natasha speaks on receiving ₦500 million from Akpabio to drop sexual harassment allegation

    Senator Natasha speaks on receiving ₦500 million from Akpabio to drop sexual harassment allegation

    Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District has denied rumours alleging that she received ₦500 million from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, calling the claims “a complete fabrication.”

    The embattled senator in a statement released on Tuesday, dismissed the allegations, describing it as a deliberate attempt to tarnish her image.

    The senator categorically stated that no such transaction ever took place, asserting, “Let me be clear: I have never received ₦500 million or any amount from Senator Akpabio. At no time did I make any statement suggesting such. This is nothing but a deliberate falsehood aimed at causing unnecessary controversy.”

    Natasha further urged the public to discard the fabricated claims, noting that they were politically motivated. She also voiced her concern over the increasing spread of fake news, urging Nigerians to verify information before accepting or sharing it.

    “It is unfortunate that certain individuals are willing to fabricate such blatant lies. I urge Nigerians to verify information before believing or sharing it,” she said.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan dared  those behind the rumors to present facts to back their claims, reaffirming her commitment to maintaining high standards of integrity and accountability in her public service.

    In light of the malicious rumours, the senator called for an investigation into the origin of the misinformation and urged the relevant authorities to take action against those responsible.

    She declared her dedication to the principles of truth and justice, declaring, “Defamation and character assassination should have no place in our society. I am confident that the truth will always prevail.”

  • Suspension: Natasha, Akpabio, Senate, others disagree over plea to vacate court order

    Suspension: Natasha, Akpabio, Senate, others disagree over plea to vacate court order

    The suspended Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday, disagreed over the Senate’s application seeking to vacate the order made by a Federal High Court in Abuja on March 4.

    The Senate, in a motion on notice filed on March 17 by its lawyer, Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, had sought an order setting aside Order Number Four, among orders, in the enrolled ex-parte order made by Justice Obiora Egwuatu on March 4 against the defendants in Natasha’s suit.

    Natasha, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, had, in a motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, sued clerk of the National Assembly (NASS) and the Senate as 1st and 2nd defendants.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan also named the President of the Senate, Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Sen. Neda Imasuem, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Code of Conduct as 3rd and 4th defendants respectively.

    The embattled lawmaker had sought an order of interim injunction restraining the Senate’s committee headed by Imasuem from proceeding with the purported investigation against her for alleged misconduct sequel to the events that occurred at the plenary on Feb. 20, pursuant to the referral by the Senate on Feb. 25, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.

    In the order number four of the five reliefs she sought which Justice Egwuatu granted, Natasha had sought an order declaring that any action taken during the pendency of the suit is null, void and of no effect whatsoever.

    However, the Senate, through Ojukwu, sought an order setting aside the number four order.

    Ojukwu urged the judge to vacate the order in the interest of fair hearing.

    Citing Action 36(1) of the constitution, the lawyer argued that order number four was interlocutory in nature and ought not to have been granted by the court.

    “It is my submission that the court has made an interlocutory order. The court cannot make an order that will affect the other parties before the end of the case,” he said.

    The lawyer alleged that the court was misled into granting that order among other orders made.

    According to him, the order will offend the Section 36(1) which talks about fair hearing

    He therefore urged the court to hold that the entire proceedings of March 4 upon which that breach occured was in nullity.

    Lawyer to the clerk, Charles Yoila; Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, who appeared for Akpabio and Umeh Kalu, SAN, who represented Imasuem, aligned themselves with Ojukwu’s argument.

    But Natasha’s counsel, Michael Numa, SAN, disagreed with their submissions.

    He described their argument as the conspiracy of the defence.

    “We filed an affidavit evidence of 12 paragraphs on March 18 in opposition to the motion on notice.

    “It is accompanied by six exhibits marked as Natasha 1 to Natasha 6D, chronicling the event that happened,” he said.

    The lawyer urged the court to dismiss the defence application and exercise its disciplinary powers on them for alleged contempt of the valid court order.

    He argued that the defendants had, with audacity, disobeyed the order of the court.

    While responding to the argument of Ojukwu, Numa submitted that “parties are bound by the prayers on the motion paper.”

    He urged the court to discountenance the application.

    The lawyer argued that the court must consider the entire orders in their ex-parte motion and not in piecemeal.

    He said their argument was immaterial.

    According to him, the Senate (2nd defendant) did not mention the propriety of Orders One, Two, Three and Five made by this honourable court.

    “The fact that Order Four was made is only an ancillary order to give effect to the motion that until the matter is dispensed with,” he said.

    Numa described the application by the defence as an affront on the court, that the judge should set aside the orders they had not challenged.

    He said the defendants had not even addressed the order directing them to show cause within 72 hours upon the service of the order.

    “This is an invitation to anarchy my lord,” he said, citing previous cases to back his argument.

    “Whatever reservation they have, their only duty is to come to court. The order was that the respondents  to come and show course

    “Their application is self-defeating,” he argued.

    Justice Egwuatu after listening to their argument, stood down the matter for ruling.

  • Senate releases fresh update on Natasha’s suspension

    Senate releases fresh update on Natasha’s suspension

    The Senate has faulted claims in some quarters that the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, was suspended over her sexual harassment allegation against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

    Rather, the upper legislative chamber said that the Kogi Senator was suspended due to her flagrant disobedience to Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended).

    Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, made the clarifications in a statement issued on Saturday.

    Bamidele said that the clarification had become necessary in view of what he called deliberate misinformation and false narratives being circulated by certain media organisations.

    He stressed Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended because of her ‘unparliamentary behaviour’ during Senate plenaries and proceedings.

    Recall the Senate had based Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension for six months on the report of its Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions.

    The Senator had on Thursday been suspended over her alleged misconduct and refusal to comply with the Senate’s sitting arrangement during the plenary.

    The suspension was, however, with a proviso that if the Senator could submit a written apology, the leadership of the chamber might consider lifting the suspension before the expiration of the six-month period.

    “Rather than submitting to the authority of the Senate, Akpoti-Uduaghan had been misinforming the unsuspecting public that she was suspended because she accused the Senate President of sexual harassment,” Bamidele said.

    He stated that the disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan was a response to her repeated violations of legislative decorum.

    “It has come to the attention of the Senate that some media reports are attempting to falsely suggest that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was due to allegations of sexual harassment.

    “This is completely untrue, misleading and a calculated attempt to distort the facts.

    “If Akpoti-Uduaghan had strictly followed our guiding principles, the Senate would have treated her petition based on merit, in line with its practice. But she never obeyed the established practices of the institution where she was serving,” he said.

    Bamidele specifically said that the Senator’s suspension was the “decision of the Committee of the Whole of the Senate, following the submission of a report by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges.”

    The majority leader said that the report found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of violating Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) and recommended her immediate suspension.

    “As established in the findings of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, the disciplinary action was a response to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s repeated violations of legislative decorum stated as follows:

    “Refusing to sit in her assigned seat during plenary on Feb. 25 in spite of multiple pleas from the Minority Leader and other ranking senators—an act of open defiance and disorderly conduct.

    “Speaking without being recognised by the presiding officer, in clear violation of parliamentary practices and procedures on Feb. 25.

    “Engaging in unruly and disruptive behaviour, obstructing the orderly conduct of senate proceedings. Making abusive and disrespectful remarks against the leadership of the senate.

    “Defying and refusing to comply with the summons of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges mandated to investigate cases of misconduct,” the statement said.

    Bamidele further stated that contrary to the false claims being circulated, Akpoti-Uduaghan was not suspended for making any sexual harassment allegation or for submitting a petition.

    “Her petition was rightfully discountenanced because it failed to meet the clear and established procedural requirements for submitting petitions to the senate,” he said.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition on sexual harassment failed to meet the clear and established procedural requirements for submitting petitions to the senate. Meanwhile, she has filed a second petition on the same subject matter.

  • Senate marks IWD, pledges 35% affirmative action in parliament

    Senate marks IWD, pledges 35% affirmative action in parliament

    The Senate, on Thursday, marked International Women’s Day with a commitment to ensure 35 per cent affirmative action for women in parliament.

    The upper chamber also pledged to initiate legislation aimed at removing all barriers to the progress of women in the country.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the promise during a three-day event organised to commemorate the 2025 International Women’s Day at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

    The theme for this year’s celebration is “Economic and Political Inclusion: Walk the Talk.”

    Akpabio vowed to ensure 35 per cent affirmative action for women in the National Assembly and throughout all governance processes.

    “This commitment aligns with the country’s National Gender Policy (NGP) and the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.”

    He emphasised that lawmakers would work to remove all obstacles hindering the socio-economic progress of women and gender equality.

    “We are discussing how women can have a solid presence, not only in the National Assembly but across the country.

    “We will do all we can to promote gender equality in this country, even if it means amending or adjusting the 1999 Constitution.

    “Credible evidence has shown that women are better managers worldwide.

    “Sometimes, they can work harder than men. We must return to a time when women played key roles in all sectors of life, contributing to our collective progress and prosperity,” he said.

    He also stressed the need to decisively address issues of sexual harassment and reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th National Assembly to promoting legislation that guaranteed 35 per cent affirmative action.

    Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s support for women’s empowerment, noting the increased budget for the Ministry of Women Affairs.

    “We have made significant progress as women in this country, with women now excelling in various sectors,” she said.

    She urged women to continue working on initiatives that promote their progress and gender equality.

    In her welcome address, Ms. Tabitha Sallah, Director of Administration, Office of the Senate Leader, lauded the National Assembly for its pro-women legislations.

    She also called for swift action on the pending gender parity issues currently before both chambers.

    The event was attended by the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, and the Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele.

  • Natasha vs Akpabio: The issues under contention

    Natasha vs Akpabio: The issues under contention

    On February 20, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was seen on the floor of the Senate, visibly angry. What happened was that her seat was reassigned.

    Senator Natasha refused to accept the reassignment of her seat and engaged in a heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    At this point, Senate Chief Whip, Tahir Monguno raised a point of order, citing sections of the Senate rulebook to justify the reassignment of seats.

    Monguno explained that the changes were necessary due to shifts in the Senate’s composition, following the defection of some opposition members to the majority wing.

    According to him, such adjustments fell within the constitutional prerogative of the Senate President, and non-compliance could result in penalties, including exclusion from Senate discussions.

    “Any Senator who refuses to comply with a seat reassignment will not be recognised or allowed to contribute to discussions,” Monguno emphasised, referencing Senate rules.

    Akpabio upheld Monguno’s position and ruled in favour of the order.

    However, when Senator Natasha raised her hand to speak, she was denied recognition for not addressing the chamber from her newly assigned seat.

    This appeared to frustrate the Senator, who, visibly agitated, directly confronted the Senate President.

    “I don’t care if I am silenced; I am not afraid. You have denied me my privilege.

    “Mr Senate President, ever since the nightclub incident, you have deliberately silenced my voice. My bills have not progressed beyond the second reading.

    “I am not afraid of being silenced, but I will do so with honour. As a senator duly elected by my people, I choose to remain in this seat, come what may.

    “The worst you can do is suspend me from this sitting, but that will not stop me from contributing my quota to my constituency, the Senate, and Nigeria as a whole,” she declared.

    She added, “Mr Senate President, I have taken a lot from you”.

    The matter was further aggravated when Senator Natasha was featured in a phone-in programme on Human Rights Radio and another programme on Arive TV.

    Natasha, who had previously threatened to reveal more details, accused Akpabio of deliberately punishing her for rejecting his alleged sexual advances.

    She claimed that during a visit to Akpabio’s residence in Akwa Ibom on December 8, 2023, he made inappropriate advances towards her in the presence of her husband.

    Furthermore, she alleged that on another occasion, Akpabio insinuated that she should “take care of him” if she wanted her motions to receive favourable consideration in the Senate.

    In response, Senate Deputy Chief Whip Onyekachi Nwebonyi strongly defended the Senate President, dismissing the allegations as politically motivated and an attempt to evade disciplinary action.

    In a statement, Nwebonyi described Natasha’s claims as unsubstantiated and conveniently timed to divert attention from ongoing disciplinary proceedings against her.

    “If she truly believed she was being victimised due to an alleged harassment incident, the appropriate platform to raise such concerns would have been the Senate itself, not a television interview.

    “The Senate operates based on reason and law, not sentiment and drama,” he said.

    He also pointed out that Natasha was appointed Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content in November 2023, prior to the alleged incident in Akwa Ibom.

    “If she had truly been a victim, why would the Senate leadership, under the same Akpabio, assign her such a critical leadership role?” he queried.

    Akpabio’s media consultant, Kenny Okulogbo, also dismissed the allegations as “a collection of lies,” arguing that Natasha was merely upset about being removed as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content.

    “All that Senator Natasha said is a collection of lies. She is simply angry because she was removed as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content,” Okulogbo said.

    Whether she was angered by the harassment or by the removal from the committee on local content, the Senate was not okay with how the Kogi Central Senator presented her case and handled the situation on the floor of the Senate.

    Irked by her action, Senate’s Spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, coming under Order 1(b) and 10, condemned what he described as Natasha’s “extreme intransigence” during the Senate session on February 20.

    “From that Thursday, the media was awash with this issue and I had to work on mending the perception of the 10th Senate.

    “The Senate is not a platform for content creation but a place for lawmaking and oversight functions,” Senator Adaramodu said.

    Adaramodu urged the Senate leadership to enforce discipline, warning that ‘where there is sin, there must be penalty’.

    “This chamber is not a place for theatrics or social media content creation. We are here to legislate, advocate for our constituents and provide oversight over MDAs, not to engage in media dramatisation,” he said.

    Senator Jimoh Ibrahim also supported the motion, emphasising the importance of maintaining order and decorum in the Senate.

    Ibrahim urged all Senators to respect the institution’s guiding rules, comparing the Standing Orders to the Bible and Quran for lawmakers.

    Also, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, moved a motion for the disciplinary review, affirming the senate’s commitment to its rules and internal order.

    According to him, there is no one who does not have an opinion on this issue, but we are unified by our rules.

    “Under our watch, we will not allow this institution to be discredited beyond what we inherited. Our integrity is non-negotiable,” he said.

    Bamidele dismissed claims that the dispute was rooted in gender bias or discrimination, citing examples of senior senators who had accepted seat changes without protest.

    Contributing, the Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro, described the incident as “an avoidable drama” and apologised on behalf of Natasha.

    He urged the senate to focus on its legislative responsibilities, while allowing the ethics committee to handle the matter.

    Responding, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, directed the committee on ethics and privileges to review the entire incident and report back to the chamber in two weeks.

    According to Akpabio, the senate rules allow members to sit anywhere, but that contributions must be made from their designated seats.

    He said that lack of familiarity with the senate procedures might have contributed to the altercation.

    “The first day she (Natasha) was sworn in, she stood up to contribute and I was worried if she had even read the rule book.

    “There is nothing wrong with being vibrant but everything is wrong with disobeying procedures,” he said.

    Citing Order 66(2) and Section 55 of Senate rules, he underscored the need for senators to conduct themselves with decorum, including prohibitions on chewing gum, drinking water or being disruptive during sittings.

    “The rules empower the senate president to suspend a senator for infractions for, at least, 14 days. It’s not me who made the rules; it’s in the rule book,” Akpabio said.

    The motion was subsequently referred to the Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, chaired by Labour Party Senator Neda Imasuen.

    It was that case the ethics committee presented its recommendations today that led to the suspension of Senator Natasha.

    Though the Federal High Court in Abuja issued an order restraining the committee from investigating Natasha, the committee sat and came up with the recommendations for her suspension and demanded that she tender an apology in writing to the Senate.

    The committee argued that the judiciary does not have powers to interfere in the internal affairs of the legislature.

    Natasha herself too had submitted a petition against Senator Akpabio to the Senate, alleging sexual harassment et al. As though not familiar with the rules of the Senate as alleged, Senator Natasha’s petition fell flat.

    Natasha had to present another petition today, which was referred to the ethics committee to report back in four (4) months.

    Meanwhile, Senator Natasha had filed a N100 billion case in court against Akpabio’s aide, with the Senate President joined in the lawsuit.

    As tensions escalated, the spouses of both public figures became involved, each stepping forward to defend their partner.

    Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, wife of the Senate President, filed multiple legal actions against Natasha, demanding N250 billion in damages for alleged defamation against her husband.

    Dismissing the allegations, Ekaette insisted that her husband was a disciplined individual and described the accusations as “false and damaging”.

    In a fundamental rights suit filed at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, she argued that the accusations had caused her and her children “emotional and psychological distress”.

    She requested a restraining order preventing Natasha from making further “spiteful” statements.

    In response, Natasha urged Ekaette to refrain from intervening and allow her husband to defend himself.

    In a letter dated March 1, addressed to Mrs Akpabio through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, Natasha advised her to step back to protect her well-being and that of her family.

    Meanwhile, her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan, also weighed in, stating that his wife had confided in him about her interactions with the Senate President.

    “I handled the situation with maturity and respect, as I consider Akpabio a family friend.

    “I personally met with the Senate President and respectfully urged him to treat my wife with the respect she deserves while honouring our friendship. We reached an understanding to resolve the matter amicably,” he said.

    However, he noted that in spite of their agreement, his wife continued to experience harassment, indicating that the issue remained unresolved.

    Nonetheless, he expressed unwavering trust in his wife, describing her as his greatest source of joy.

    Many have questioned why Natasha did not make her sexual allegation case known before the day her seat was reassigned in the Senate

    Many have also argued that whether her claim is false or true, Akpabio should not have chaired the proceedings that led to the suspension of Natasha.

    Senator Natasha joined the Senate in October 2023 following her victory at the Court of Appeal to represent Kogi Central Senatorial District.

  • S3x harassment ‘wahala’: Senator Natasha resubmits petition against Akpabio

    S3x harassment ‘wahala’: Senator Natasha resubmits petition against Akpabio

    Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has resubmitted her petition alleging sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, this time signed by her constituents.

    During the plenary, Senator Natasha was asked whether the matter was already before any court of law, to which she insisted it was not.

    Following protocol, she was directed to formally submit the petition, after which it was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for investigation.

    The Ethics committee chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen has been given four weeks to conduct its probe and report back to the Senate.

    This marks the second time the Kogi Central lawmaker has raised the allegations in the chamber following a previous petition that was dismissed on Wednesday, owing to procedural irregularities.