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Tag: Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

  • First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu breaks silence over Natasha’s ordeal

    First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu breaks silence over Natasha’s ordeal

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has said the Nigerian Senate remains a “matured” institution that must be treated with respect.

    She made the remarks while speaking with journalists at the State House Abuja.

    The remarks come amid allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of power against the president of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    Speaking ahead of the International Women’s Day, she dismissed concerns over the Senate’s handling of issues, insisting lawmakers are “doing what is needful.”

    Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who served in the Senate for 12 years, said the chamber should be a place of honour, not controversy.

    She also urged Nigerian women to assert themselves in leadership.

    “I know with what is going on in the Senate, you may say, why am I not taking a position? I believe that Senate is doing what is needful, because that’s what it is. Is an inside place and it’s a matured chamber.

    “It’s a matured chamber, and it should be treated with respect. It’s an honour for you to be in that place alone”.

    “I was there for 12 years, even in my younger days, and I’m still trying to look young, but people compliment you all the time, only that, women raise yourself, don’t be in a position that men will be talking to you anyhow,” she said.

    Ahead of the International Women’s Day on March 8th, the First Lady celebrated the achievements of women all over the world but in Nigeria in particular.

    She acknowledged the significant progress women have made over the decades, from the matriarchs of old to contemporary figures like Zuriel Oduwole, who champions peace.

    Senator Oluremi Tinubu  emphasised that Nigerian youths are equipped with what it takes to excel, urging women to continue lifting their heads high and doing their best.

  • BREAKING: Angry Natasha storms out of Senate, reacts over suspension

    BREAKING: Angry Natasha storms out of Senate, reacts over suspension

    Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi) stormed out of the Senate on Thursday after the upper legislative chamber suspended her over “total violation of the Senate Standing Rules 2023 as amended”.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Senator Natasha was suspended after the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions’ led by its Chairman, Sen. Neda Imaseun presented a report during plenary.

    In presenting the report, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions made seven (7) recommendations that was deliberated upon by the Senate during plenary.

    The recommendations read: “That the Senate do suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six (6) for her total violation of the Senate standing rules 2023 as amended, for bringing the presiding officer and the Senate in general to public opprobrium.

    “That for the Senate to consider lifting the suspension, or to reduce the tenor of suspension, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan shall submit a written apology to the Senate before the reconsideration by the Senate.

    “That the Senate do suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan with effect from 6th March 2025 from all legislative activities forthwith.

    “That her office be locked up for the duration of her suspension and handover all Senate’s properties in possession to the Clerk of the National Assembly.

    “That for the duration of her suspension, she cannot come close, come or be seen within the vicinity of the National Assembly, including her staff.

    “That her salaries and allowances, including those of her legislative aides, be suspended and withdrawal of all security details for the duration of her suspension.

    “That for the period of her suspension, she be barred from representing herself to the public, locally and internationally, as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.

    After submitting the recommendations, Senator Akpabio put the prayers into voice vote and they were all granted by the Senate.

    However, the Senate amended the recommendation of the Committee to spare the salaries and allowances of Senator Natasha’s legislative aides.

    “This injustice will not be sustained,” Senator Natasha said shortly before storming out of the Senate.

  • BREAKING: Senate ‘ostracizes’ Senator Natasha

    BREAKING: Senate ‘ostracizes’ Senator Natasha

    Following recommendations by its Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, the Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a PDP Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Senator Natasha was suspended for a period of six (6) on Thursday after the recommendations of the committee were put to a voice vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    She was also asked not to be seen near the National Assembly (NASS); that her office be locked up for the duration of her suspension, and that she hands over all Senate’s properties in possession to the Clerk of the NASS.

    Presenting the recommendation, Chairman of the Committee, Senator Neda Imaseun said:

    “That the Senate do suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six (6) for her total violation of the Senate standing rules 2023 as amended, for bringing the presiding officer and the Senate in general to public opprobrium.

    “That for the Senate to consider lifting the suspension, or to reduce the tenor of suspension, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan shall submit a written apology to the Senate before the reconsideration by the Senate.

    “That the Senate do suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan with effect from 6th March 2025 from all legislative activities forthwith.

    “That her office be locked up for the duration of her suspension and handover all Senate’s properties in possession to the Clerk of the National Assembly.

    “That for the duration of her suspension, she cannot come close, come or be seen within the vicinity of the National Assembly, including her staff.

    “That her salaries and allowances, including those of her legislative aides, be suspended and withdrawal of all security details for the duration of her suspension.

    “That for the period of her suspension, she be barred from representing herself to the public, locally and internationally, as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “In conclusion, Mr President and my most distinguished and respected colleagues, on behalf of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, we appreciate the Senate President, distinguished colleagues for the opportunity granted us to serve Nigerians through the Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions.

    “Respectfully submitted for consideration and approval”.

    After submitting the recommendations, Senator Akpabio put the prayers into voice vote and they were all granted by the Senate.

    However, the Senate amended the recommendation of the Committee to spare the salaries and allowances of Senator Natasha’s legislative aides.

  • BREAKING: Senate moves to withdraw Natasha’s salaries, allowances

    BREAKING: Senate moves to withdraw Natasha’s salaries, allowances

    The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions has recommended that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan be suspended for 6 months, and that both her salary and her staff be halted during the suspension period.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Chairman of the Committee, Senator Neda Imaseun gave the recommendations on Thursday while presenting the report of the Committee on the floor of the Senate.

    Recall that the Committee had launched a probe on Senator Natasha for allegedly flaunting certain orders and rules of the Senate.

    While presenting the report, Senator Imaseun recommended that Natasha be suspended for 6 months, and her office be locked for the duration of the suspension.

    The ethics committee also recommended that Natasha’s salaries and allowances, including those of her aides, be withdrawn; that her security details be withdrawn, and that she should be prevented from coming anywhere near the Senate premises

    TNG reports deliberations are still ongoing on the recommendations of the ethics committee.

    Meanwhile, the Senate formally cautioned Senator Natasha on Thursday over her failure to comply with the chamber’s rules mandating all senators to rise during the entry and procession of Senate leadership into the chamber.

    This follows a point of order raised on the floor by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno, who cited Order 55, Rule 1 of the Senate Standing Orders, which clearly requires all senators to stand during the leadership procession.

    Senator Monguno noted that Senator Natasha has repeatedly refused to observe this tradition, choosing to remain seated while the leadership makes its formal entrance into the chamber.

    Highlighting that the incident was widely reported the previous day and had occurred again, Monguno explained that he had to instruct a Sergeant-at-Arms to approach Senator Natasha and remind her to stand.

    However, according to him, Senator Natasha refused, stating she would not comply.

    The Chief Whip criticized her actions, saying, “One cannot seek protection under Order 10 of the Senate rules while openly disregarding the same rules.”

    He advised Senator Natasha to familiarize herself with the Senate rule book, emphasizing that rising during the procession is not a gesture for any individual but a sign of respect for the institution of the Senate itself.

    Following the motion, the Senate sustained the point of order and upheld the call for adherence to the chamber’s established procedures.

  • Natasha’s petition against Akpabio dead on arrival – Senate Committee

    Natasha’s petition against Akpabio dead on arrival – Senate Committee

    The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions has said the petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio is dead on arrival.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Senator Natasha filed a petition against Senator Akpabio over alleged sexual harassment that was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions on Wednesday.

    “The petition she presented today is actually dead on arrival. I say that because it runs contrary to Order 40, Subsection 4, that no Senator may present to the Senate a petition signed by him or herself.

    “And that petition having been signed by her will not be entertained by this committee. She is not here. I can understand why she is not here. She is probably not here on the orders of her lawyers.

    “That being the case, the committee will sit and we will deliberate on what we have gotten from distinguished Senator that presented their cases before us and the sergeant-at-arms and based on rule books, and all other documents that are availablt to us, to make a decision here and then make a referral to the full Senate,” Committee Chairman, Senator Neda Imaseun said.

    Recall that Akpoti-Uduaghan had, during Wednesday’s plenary, stood up and stated that she had a petition, read it out aloud, and submitted it.

    “I have a petition against the President of the Nigerian Senate. His Excellency Sen. Godswill Akpabio for sexual harassment, abuse of office and malicious obstruction of my legislative functions.

    “You may recall, sir, that on Friday, on Arise TV, I did make some statements. And I have decided to narrow the statements in a formal petition against the President of this Senate.

    “So if it may please you, so if it pleases you, I will humbly step forward and lay this petition,” Senator Natasha said.

    However, a heated session ensued when Senate Chief Whip, Sen. Mohammed Monguno, citing Order 40(4), argued that Senate rules must be strictly adhered to.

    Order 40 (4) reads: “No senator may present to the Senate a petition signed by himself”.

    He warned that any deviation to these rules could lead to “chaos and anarchy” as such the Senate would protect the sacred provisions of the rules.

    Monguno further noted that the matter was sub judiced. “The petitioner, Sen. Natasha, has gone to court in respect of this matter.

    “The wife of the Senate President has equally gone to court in respect of this matter. So, this matter is sub judiced. And therefore, the Senate does not have to do anything to entertain this matter,” he said.

    He advised that the matter should be referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, rejected Monguno’s argument.

    She said that the ongoing court case was a N100 billion defamation lawsuit she filed against Patrick Mfon, a special assistant to the Senate President on social media and not against Akpabio.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan insisted that her sexual harassment claims were not the subject of any legal action, contradicting the basis for rejecting her petition.

    “This matter is not in court. The matter before the court is on defamation and cyber bullying statements by the senate president’s special assistant on social media, Patrick Mfon, who accused me of dressing indecently to the senate.

    “Mr President, your denial and refusal to accept and treat my petition before the committee on Ethics, this matter is not sub judiced; it’s not before the court,” she said.

    On his part, the Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele also corroborated Sen. Monguno’s position.

    He said: “Order 40(4) says no senator bringing a petition shall be the author.

    “Mr president, I sympathise with you as a man being accused of sexual harassment.

    “I won’t comment on that because there will be an ample opportunity for the relevant committee to deal with that.

    “It is important that the public should know and our observers should note that as political as this can be, we cannot be emotional about it.

    “We are guided by rules and the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended,” Bamidele said.

    In his remarks, the President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio said “the Senate actually referred her matter not because I’m not aware of the provisions of the rules.

    “It is because when people are watching from outside, they may not know we are guided by rules”.

  • I have never harassed any woman in my life – Senator Akpabio

    I have never harassed any woman in my life – Senator Akpabio

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said he has high regards for women, adding that he has never sexually harassed any woman in his life and that he will never do so.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Senator Akpabio said this in his opening remarks during plenary on Wednesday while addressing an allegation made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against him.

    Trouble started between Senator Natasha and the Senate President on February 20 when the Kogi Central Senator alleged that her seat was re-allocated in the upper chamber without her knowledge.

    Natasha subsequently went on Arise TV to accuse Akpabio of making sexual advances at her, a reason to which she attributed her issues recently at the chamber with the Senate President.

    “On the 28th day of February, there were some serious allegations making the rounds in the social media and the TV of a purported harassment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    “While I am aware that the matters are in court; however, I will like to state clearly that at no time did I ever attempt any sexual harassment on the said distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan or any other woman for that matter.

    “I and my siblings were raised very well by my late single mother – she died in year 2000 – through very difficult times. I, therefore, have the highest regards for women. Even her demise I still cry till today.

    “I also wish to state that I also have four (4) beautiful daughters. So, at no time will I ever harass any woman, and I have never done so.

    “In addition, even as a State Governor, I was awarded various awards. One of them was the one you will wish to know, the most gender friendly governor in Nigeria. I served between 2007 and 2015. To God be the glory.

    “In conclusion, I urge all Nigerians, particularly the media and members of the social media, to await the court’s decisions.

    “And please do not jump to conclusions on matters of mere allegations,” Senator Akpabio said.

    Meanwhile, Senator Natasha has officially filed a petition against Senator Akpabio to the Senate.

  • BREAKING: Senator Natasha officially files petition against Akpabio to Senate [VIDEO]

    BREAKING: Senator Natasha officially files petition against Akpabio to Senate [VIDEO]

    Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has officially filed a petition to the Nigerian Senate against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over sexual harassment and abuse of office.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Senator Natasha filed the petition during a plenary session of the Senate on Wednesday after citing Order 40 of the Senate’s rules.

    “The petition is in my name against the president of the Nigerian Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio for sexual harassment, abuse of office, and malicious obstruction of my legislative functions

    “You may recall, sir that on Friday in Arise TV, I did made some statements. And I have decided to narrow these statements in a formal petition against the President of the Senate.

    “So, if it may please you, I will humbly step forward and lay this petition,” Senator Natasha said before proceeding to lay the petition.

    “You may proceed,” Senator Akpabio, who presided over the plenary, said before Senator Natasha laid the petition.

    @chiefoyiboSenator Natasha officially files petition against Senator Akpabio to the Senate

    ♬ original sound – Oyibo

    TNG reports the Senate President subsequently referred the petition to the Senate committee on code of conduct, ethics and public petitions to revert as soon as practicable.

    Meanwhile, Senator Akpabio has denied ever sexually harassing any woman in his life and that he will never do so.

  • It is weakness to accuse Akpabio of sexual harassment – Ita-Giwa lambasts Akpoti-Uduaghan

    It is weakness to accuse Akpabio of sexual harassment – Ita-Giwa lambasts Akpoti-Uduaghan

    Former senator representing Cross River South, Florence Ita-Giwa, has asserted it is a sign of weakness for female senators to accuse a male  of sexual harassment.

    TheNewsGuru earlier reports that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi-Central) during an interview on Arise TV on Friday, February 28, 2025 disclosed that Akpabio, made several inappropriate advances towards her during a visit to his residence in Akwa Ibom.

    Recounting the incident on Friday, the Kogi Central senator claimed that the encounter occurred in December, just a day before their respective birthdays.

    She further alleged that her trouble in the Senate began after she rejected sexual advances from Akpabio.

    But weighing in on the matter on Tuesday on Arise TV, Ita-Giwa vehemently defended Gods will Akpabio, stating that once women are elected into the Senate, they cannot be sexually harassed or claim to be sexually harassed.

    She said she had worked amid men all her political life but never experienced sexual assault because “I don’t allow it.”

    While contradicting herself that “I like the senator; I am not doubting her,” she noted, “You are a senator as a person, not a female or male to be sexually harassed. You are equal. It’s wrong to come out to say you were sexually harassed.”

    The bewildered presenter asked if it was wrong to come out and “speak out.” Ita-Giwa deflected the discussion, emphasising that “it is wrong for a senator who fought for the seat like other 108 senators to come and complain of sexual harassment.”

    Ita-Giwa said, “On this matter, I’m not with you (Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan). It is the worst sign of weakness on a woman’s part for you to come out and accuse a man of making passes at you at that level.

    “One hundred and nine senators; it is not easy to win election to the Senate.

    “Now the Senate president is first among equals. We have arrived there as somebody. I had seven local governments with me, so I went there with strength. And my God, you know, I won this election.

    “So I saw everybody there as equals, and then we sit down and decide who is going to lead. Every group there has to have a leader, which is what the Senate president is.

    When pressed further about why she blamed the Kogi senator, she argued, “You contest elections and get to the Senate. You know you have passed that stage of your life of being sexually harassed, really. If you go there, you don’t allow it; it cannot happen in the Senate.

    “I’m not saying that the lady is lying, but again, you are there as a person. You are not there as a man or woman. It doesn’t matter what you are carrying, whatever.

    “I’m saying that it does not; it would not happen in the Senate, and it should not happen in the Senate and again, I’m not here to defend anybody in politics.

    “You know, people joke and say things to each other in politics.

    “For me, my personal opinion is that at that stage (of politics), if you come and say that somebody is sexually harassing you, that is a weakness.

    “You know, you make yourself unapproachable, alright? You don’t let anybody take you around and show you. You know you make yourself unapproachable,” she added.

  • Se3ual harassment: Natasha’s husband, Uduaghan says he’s aware Akpabio made advances to his wife

    Se3ual harassment: Natasha’s husband, Uduaghan says he’s aware Akpabio made advances to his wife

    Double Chief Emma Uduaghan, husband of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has publicly confirmed being aware of repeated sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio towards his wife.

    In a statement, Uduaghan revealed that he had confronted Akpabio directly, urging him to respect his wife and cease his inappropriate behavior.

    However, according to Uduaghan, Akpabio’s refusal to heed his request has caused significant distress to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, ultimately leading to her public outcry.

    The statement by Uduaghan reads: “I had initially resolved to refrain from commenting on the ongoing dispute between my beloved wife, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

    “However, recent developments have compelled me to issue this statement. It is clear that certain sentiments are being stirred up unnecessarily, distracting from the serious underlying allegations, which should concern every discerning individual with sound family values.

    Without prejudice to the ongoing legal proceedings, I wish to emphasize that my wife was duly elected by her people due to the immense love, respect, and confidence they have in her and she is committed to delivery quality representation to her district and the Nation at large.

    “She is a devoted wife, and the bond we share is deep and unwavering. She has always remained truthful, even in the face of adversity.

    My wife has confided in me about her interactions with the Senate President, whom I considered a family friend. In response, I approached the matter with the utmost maturity and responsibility, as it is my duty as a traditional leader who has immense respect for constituted authority and upholds core family values, foster peace and harmony.

    “I personally met with the Senate President and respectfully urged him to extend the courtesy and respect my wife deserves, while also honoring the friendship between us. We reached an understanding and agreed to resolve the issue amicably..

    “However, despite this agreement, my wife continues to express concerns about the harassment she has endured from the Senate President.

    “I have unwavering faith in my wife’s loyalty and am fully committed to our marriage, which is grounded in love, compassion, and mutual respect. I would never trade her for anything, as she is the greatest joy of my life.

    “I now respectfully urge the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate President to treat my beloved wife with the respect and dignity she truly deserves while the relevant authorities and the court determine the underlying issues”.

  • Akpabio-Natasha: Let’s protect the institution, not Individuals – Saraki

    Akpabio-Natasha: Let’s protect the institution, not Individuals – Saraki

    Former Nigerian Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has stated that rules of the Senate as well as parliamentary conventions and practices must be adhered to in resolving the crisis between Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Akpabio of sexual harassment. This comes after discovering that her seat had been changed in the Senate without her consent.

    Speaking on that incident in a statement made available to TheNewsGuru on Saturday, Saraki called for transparency in the resolution process.

    He said, “I have watched from afar the recent development in the Senate between the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Senator from Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. It is a development that has made me sad because of its overall negative effect on the integrity, sanctity, image, and public perception of the institution. I believe that every person who has had anything to do with the National Assembly, particularly as a leader, member, and worker should always jealously protect these values which make the institution, the numero uno, among the three arms of government.

    “It is for these reasons that I believe that the two parties in this dispute and their supporters in and out of the chamber should be mindful of the impact of their actions, inactions, reactions, claims, and counter-claims to be sure that nothing is done to rubbish the institution. The constitution, laws of the country, rules of the Senate as well as parliamentary conventions and practices should be adhered to in resolving the issue. And the resolution should be done transparently without being seen to be protective of any of the parties. Rather, the objectives should be to unfold the truth and to protect the law-making institution against a wrong perception of involvement in or tolerance of lawbreaking.

    “At this point, with the public claims made by the Senator, the right measure to take is to institute an open, transparent, and honest investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. Both parties must submit to the investigation, fully cooperate with the committee, and stake their claims before it. This is not the first time a Senate President would appear before the Committee to aid it in the conduct of a transparent and open investigation. I remember during the 8th Senate when a Senator claimed that I imported an official car for my use as Senate President and that customs duty was not paid on the vehicle. Since I knew the claim was false, the matter was referred to the Ethics Committee and I appeared before the committee to testify, in the full glare of the media. From my testimony, it was clear the Senator who made the allegation got his facts wrong and was only being mischievous.

    “Also, on the day the committee submitted its report for debate on the floor, I stepped down and allowed my deputy to preside. The transparent manner in which the investigation and the debate on the report were handled assured everybody that there was no case. This is a precedent that the leadership of the 10th Senate should follow.

    “In my case, the decision to allow an open investigation and subjecting myself to it was not an easy one. It was humbling but I realized that was the best decision and in the end I am happy I travelled that route.

    ‘We should not allow the Senate to be cast in the shroud of an institution encouraging sexual harassment, gender bias, abuse of office, flagrant disregard for standing orders and rules, and lack of orderliness. This is what a transparent, open, and unbiased investigation should achieve. The due process should be followed in this case such that where anybody is found to have committed any wrong, the wrong should be pointed out and corrected. Also, the right remedy should be made.

    ‘Let me make it clear without any ambiguity that I am neither stating that Akpabio is guilty of anything nor am I expressing the opinion that Senator Akpoti Uduaghan is right in her actions and claims. My position is that an investigation is needed to find out the truth and protect the integrity of the Senate.

    ‘For me, the institution of the Senate is so important, sacred, and pre-eminent. All lovers of democracy should always work to strengthen it. No leader or member should be allowed to openly or surreptitiously work to subvert its sanctity.”