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Tag: Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

  • You can’t resume now -Senate rejects suspended Kogi senator, Natasha’s request

    You can’t resume now -Senate rejects suspended Kogi senator, Natasha’s request

    The National Assembly Management has formally declined Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s request to resume legislative duties after serving her six-month suspension over alleged misconduct.

    The Senate in a letter by the Acting Clerk, said Senator Natasha’s suspension will continue, pending the outcome of the matter in the Court of Appeal.

    “The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption,” the letter stated.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that the embattled Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March after the Senate accused her of breaching its standing orders.

    While the Federal High Court in Abuja upheld the suspension, she appealed to the Court of Appeal.

    According to the letter, the Senate will only review her suspension after the court delivers its judgment.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 following allegations of insubordination for rejecting a designated seat during plenary.

    The suspension, based on recommendations of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, also stripped her of aides, office privileges, and salaries.

    The lawmaker had consistently argued that her ordeal was linked to her petition accusing Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of sexual harassment, a claim the Senate dismissed.

    Natasha later challenged her suspension in court, securing a judgment she said favoured her recall, but the Senate leadership maintained that she would remain suspended until the six-month penalty elapsed.

    Her attempt to force her way back into the National Assembly in July ended in a standoff, as security operatives barred her entry despite a crowd of supporters rallying outside.

  • JUST IN: Akpabio not greater than Nigerian Constitution – Senator Natasha breaks silence After NASS entry denial

    JUST IN: Akpabio not greater than Nigerian Constitution – Senator Natasha breaks silence After NASS entry denial

    Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has vowed to escalate her legal battle to the Court of Appeal following her denial into the National Assembly (NASS) on Tuesday to resume representing the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District, following a court ruling.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Senator Natasha stormed NASS in the company of her supporters but was denied access.

    Natasha, who had earlier vowed to resume legislative activities on Tuesday, arrived at the NASS complex at exactly 12.20 pm. Among those who accompanied her were a prominent political activist, Aisha Yesufu and several of her supporters.

    However, the suspended Senator was barred from accessing the main building by security personnel.

    Speaking to journalists, a visibly upset Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Senate leadership of acting in contempt of court.

    She said, “Akpabio cannot be greater than the Nigerian Constitution. The Office of the Senate President does not give me legitimacy. My legitimacy comes from the people of Kogi who voted me in. The court has ruled in my favour, and an appeal does not invalidate that ruling.”

    The senator maintained that the Senate’s refusal to comply with the Federal High Court’s ruling was a blatant violation of the rule of law and a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.

    The lawmaker further stated, “That I’ve been denied entrance to the National Assembly is a clear statement. The National Assembly under Akpabio has chosen to act in contempt of court. It’s ironic that those who make laws are the first to break them. How far have we come in our democracy?”

    Akpoti-Uduaghan also took aim at the legal basis for her initial suspension, which she described as “fraudulent and procedurally flawed.”

    “Even the suspension ab initio was fraudulent, the document was faulty,” she said.

    Determined to challenge what she described as a “constitutional crisis,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said she would be meeting with her legal team to initiate further legal proceedings.

    She said, “Going forward, I will meet with my legal team to proceed to the appellate court for interpretation of what just happened. I am a law-abiding citizen and will continue to pursue justice through due process.”

  • Court fixes Akpoti-Uduaghan’ arraignment for June, 30th

    Court fixes Akpoti-Uduaghan’ arraignment for June, 30th

    The widely publicized arraignment of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the Federal High Court, Abuja, for offences under the CyberCrimes could not proceed today due to the absence of personal service of the charge on the Defendant.

    According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), all previous efforts to effect personal service on the Senator were unsuccessful, as she was reportedly outside the country.

    However, when the matter came up today for the first time, the DPP applied to the court for leave to serve the charge through the Senator’s counsel. The application was granted by the court, and the charge was duly served.

    In view of this development, the DPP requested an adjournment to enable proper arraignment, which the court granted. The new date for arraignment is now fixed for 30th June, 2025 before Honourable Justice M.G. Umar (Court 5).

  • Natasha, U.S.-based Activist clash over Akpabio sexual harassment allegations

    Natasha, U.S.-based Activist clash over Akpabio sexual harassment allegations

    A war of words has erupted between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and U.S.-based activist Dr. Sandra Duru (also known as Professor Mgbeke), following allegations that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment claims against Senate President Godswill Akpabio were politically motivated.

    In a Facebook live broadcast, Duru alleged that the accusations were part of a larger plot to prevent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from securing a second term. She claimed to have submitted audio recordings of her alleged conversations with the suspended Kogi Central senator to U.S. and international authorities for forensic analysis.

    Duru further alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan offered her N200 million to falsely accuse Akpabio of organ harvesting in connection with the death of a young woman, after her sexual harassment claims failed to gain traction. She called for investigations by global security agencies, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), and the Nigeria Police Force.

    According to Duru, Akpoti-Uduaghan allegedly stated that her real motive was to remove what she called the “Yoruba government,” claiming she’d been promised a political reward, such as the Kogi State governorship or a ministerial role, if she succeeded in discrediting the Senate President.

    Duru accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of lying, sharing call logs and WhatsApp messages in an attempt to disprove claims that they had never spoken. She labeled the senator as manipulative and divisive, alleging she was on a mission to “destroy men.”

    In response, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan firmly denied all of Duru’s claims, dismissing the Facebook livestream and the audio clips attributed to her as manipulated and false. In a statement, she accused Duru of pushing a narrative scripted by Senate President Akpabio and said she would issue a full response to the allegations in due course.

  • Senator Natasha sends solidarity message to Ezekwesili amid clash with Nwaebonyi

    Senator Natasha sends solidarity message to Ezekwesili amid clash with Nwaebonyi

    Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District has apologized to former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, over the choatic scene at the Senate on Tuesday.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the incident, which took place on Tuesday, ensued shortly after the request that Ezekwesili and her team be administered on oath in line with the Senate rules, during a session regarding a petition filed by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.

    Ezekwesili told the Ebonyi North Senator and Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate to ‘shut up’, which caused Nwaebonyi to call her a ‘fool‘.

    The former Minister also described him as a disgrace to the Senate; the Senator described her as a disgrace to womanhood.

    Reacting, Natasha via the microblogging platform, X formerly Twitter lauded the former Minister of Solid Minerals for her commitment to integrity and courage.

    She added that Ezekwesili took the insult for her (Natasha) and other women.

    “Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Ma’am, I apologize for the insults. Know you took them for me… for us … as a mother and as a leader. Know that you are a true icon of integrity, courage, and visionary leadership. Your unwavering commitment to good governance, education and democracy continues to inspire generations. A champion of accountability…Nigerians appreciate you. I celebrate your brilliance, resilience and selfless service. You are a hero,” she wrote.

  • SERAP drags Akpabio to court over Natasha’s ‘unlawful’ suspension

    SERAP drags Akpabio to court over Natasha’s ‘unlawful’ suspension

    The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has initiated legal action against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, arguing that the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is “patently unlawful.”

    The suit has been filed by SERAP at the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking the reversal of the senator’s six-month suspension, on the grounds that it constitutes a violation of her fundamental rights and a deprivation of representation for her constituents.

    Prior to filing the lawsuit, SERAP had warned the Senate President last week to immediately overturn Senator Natasha’s suspension, or face legal consequences.

    Kolawole Oluwadare, Deputy Director of SERAP, announced the recent legal action in a Sunday press release shared with newsmen.

    SERAP, in the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/498/2025, is asking the court for “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio to rescind the unlawful suspension of Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, reinstate her, and fully restore all her legislative rights, entitlements, and privileges.”

    Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for allegedly “speaking without permission” and refusing to accept her new seat assignment in the chamber.

    Not only does the suspension prevent Akpoti-Uduaghan from participating in Senate activities, but it also withholds her salary and allowances. SERAP, however, is adamant that this action is unconstitutional, emphasizing that “no one should ever be punished for ‘speaking without permission.”

    “Being a senator does not deprive Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan of her fundamental human rights.

    “The Senate should be setting an example by upholding the rule of law and promoting and protecting human rights, not stamping them out,” it said.

    The rights group is also seeking “an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Senate from further suspending or taking any disciplinary action against Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan solely for the peaceful exercise of her fundamental human rights.”

    SERAP’s legal case rests on the assertion that the suspension is incompatible with the Nigerian Constitution and Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights treaties.

    “Punishing Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan solely for peacefully expressing herself is unlawful, unnecessary and disproportionate.

    “Her suspension would also have a disproportionate chilling effect on the ability of other members of the Senate to express themselves and exercise their human rights freely,” the suit stated.

    According to SERAP’s argument, the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan, based on Sections 6(1)(2) of the Senate Rules and the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended), stands in direct opposition to the constitutional right to freedom of expression.

    “The unlawful restriction of Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to freedom of expression has indirectly violated Nigerians’ right to receive information and ideas and seriously undermined the right of her constituency to political participation,” SERAP argued.

    Quoting Article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, SERAP highlights that “every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law.”

    The organization argued that “the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate has restricted and seriously undermined the ability of the residents of her Kogi Central Senatorial District to effectively participate in their own government.”

    SERAP also cited the Nigerian Constitution’s Section 39, which guarantees freedom of expression, stating that “every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.”

    It insisted that the Senate’s actions directly contravene these constitutional protections.

    “The Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) should not and cannot set aside Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to express herself and disseminate her opinions, which is clearly guaranteed in Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], and under the human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party,” SERAP asserted.

    Beyond the immediate suspension, the case raised questions about the broader consequences of using disciplinary actions to silence elected officials.

    “A higher degree of tolerance is expected when it is a political speech and an even higher threshold is required when it is directed towards government officials including members of the Senate,” SERAP maintained.

    The suit was filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare and Mrs. Adelanke Aremo.

    “No date has been fixed for the hearing,” the release concluded.

  • Natasha drags Akpabio to global stage over sexual harassment case, suspension

    Natasha drags Akpabio to global stage over sexual harassment case, suspension

    Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has informed the Women in Parliament session at the Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting at the United Nations in New York about her suspension and the case against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    The incident, as reported by TheNewsGuru, began when Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat was reassigned without notice, prompting her to invoke Order 10, which safeguards members’ privileges. Despite her objections, the Senate leadership insisted on the change, leading to a tense confrontation.

    The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions recommended Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, citing several infractions on the Rules and Orders of the Senate.

    The committee, however, suspended the Kogi State lawmaker last week, alleging that she breached its regulations shortly after she filed a petition against Senate President Akpabio.

    Natasha, representing Kogi Central at the upper chamber of the national assembly, characterized the Senate’s decision as “unlawful” and indicative of the challenges faced by women in Nigeria.

    At the IPU, Senator Natasha said, “I come with a heavy heart from Nigeria. But first, I’d like to apologize to Honorable Kathila Obara. I [0.6s] am not here to bring shame to our country. I am here to seek help for the women of Nigeria.

    “Again, my name is Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Five days ago, on the 6th of March, 2025, I was suspended. As a senator, I was suspended illegally because I submitted a petition of sexual harassment against the president of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

    “I thought that by submitting the petition, he would recuse himself and both of us will submit ourselves to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition for a fair and transparent investigation. Unfortunately, I was silenced and I was suspended. I was suspended for six months, amongst many other stringent conditions, such as taking away my security and all the officials, vehicles, and other items handed over to me as a senator.

    “My salaries would be cut off. I must not appear anywhere near the National Assembly. And for six months, I’m not to introduce myself or present myself as a senator locally in Nigeria or internationally.

    “That means I am here illegally. But I have no other place to go but to come here and speak to you women. Because this is a bigger picture.”

    Senator Natasha added: “This is a bigger picture. It depicts the crisis of women’s political representation. My suspension is not just about me. It’s about the systemic exclusion of women from political leadership in Nigeria. Women make up 3.6% of political office-holders.

    “And in the Senate, it’s just 2.8. We have 109 men, and only four of us are women. So right now, it’s 108 with only three women. This is a clear case of political victimization, punishment for speaking out against security, corruption, and gender-based violence. The United Nations Declaration 48-104 declares sexual harassment as a form of gender violence.

    The Senate actions and assault on democracy. I was elected by my constituents to represent them, yet a few powerful men have unilaterally decided to silence their voices by suspending me for six months. My call for an open and transparent investigation into harassment allegations has been met with hostility instead of accountability.

    “If a female senator can be treated this way in the full view of the world, imagine what partners in Nigeria will go through every day, in workplaces and in universities.”

  • Natasha’s suspension: A look at Nigerian senators who have faced similar fate(full list)

    Natasha’s suspension: A look at Nigerian senators who have faced similar fate(full list)

    The 10th Senate, led by Godswill Akpabio, has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central senatorial district, for six months over alleged misconduct. This decision was made after the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions presented its report during plenary.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension is not an isolated incident in Nigeria’s Senate. Several senators have faced similar disciplinary actions in the past, often sparking debates about the balance between maintaining order and protecting free speech.

    Below is a complied list of some senators who have also faced similar fate:

    – Femi Okurounmu (Ogun Central): Suspended in 1999 for alleging that fellow senators planned to impeach President Olusegun Obasanjo. Okurounmu’s comments were seen as a breach of Senate rules and etiquette. He was later recalled after apologizing to the Senate and retracting his statements.

    – Joseph Waku (Benue): Suspended in 2000 for suggesting that a military coup would be preferable to President Obasanjo’s rule. Waku’s comments were widely condemned as inflammatory and irresponsible. His suspension was seen as a necessary measure to maintain order and discipline within the Senate.

    – Arthur Nzeribe (Imo, Orlu Constituency): Indefinitely suspended in 2002 over a ₦22 million fraud allegation. Nzeribe’s suspension was linked to allegations of financial impropriety and abuse of office. The Senate’s decision was seen as a move to uphold transparency and accountability within its ranks.

    – Isah Mohammed (Niger Central): Suspended for two weeks in 2004 for physically assaulting Senator Iyabo Anisulowo. Mohammed’s actions were widely condemned as unacceptable and unbecoming of a senator. His suspension was seen as a necessary measure to maintain order and discipline within the Senate.

    – Ali Ndume (Borno South): Suspended for six months in 2017 for calling for an investigation into allegations involving Senate President Bukola Saraki and Senator Dino Melaye. Ndume’s suspension was seen as a move to assert the Senate’s authority and maintain order.

    – Ovie Omo-Agege (Delta Central): Suspended in 2018 for opposing the election reordering bill. Omo-Agege’s suspension was linked to allegations of disrupting Senate proceedings and violating its rules. The Senate’s decision was seen as a move to uphold its authority and maintain order.

    – Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central): Suspended for three months in 2024 for alleging that the National Assembly padded the 2024 budget by ₦3 trillion. Ningi’s suspension was seen as a move to assert the Senate’s authority and maintain order.

    These instances highlight the Senate’s efforts to maintain discipline and order within its ranks.

  • JUST IN: Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan shuns ethics committee hearing over conduct

    JUST IN: Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan shuns ethics committee hearing over conduct

    Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, failed to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions on Wednesday.

    The committee is investigating her conduct during last week’s plenary session, which saw a heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seat allocation.

    TheNewsGuru had reported that Akpoti-Uduaghan, accused Akpabio of publicly humiliating her and obstructing her motions and bills on the Senate floor. Her refusal to accept the new seating arrangement led to Akpabio denying her the opportunity to speak during the session.

    The Chairman of the committee, Senator Neda Imasuen, expressed disappointment over Akpoti-Uduaghan’s absence, stating that she was duly invited to the meeting. As of the time of reporting, Akpoti-Uduaghan had yet to arrive for the hearing.

    Interestingly, a Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order stopping the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from taking disciplinary action against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

  • Drama in senate as Kogi senator, Natasha, Akpabio clash during plenary session (video)

    Drama in senate as Kogi senator, Natasha, Akpabio clash during plenary session (video)

    There was a mild drama on Thursday as a dispute over seating arrangements led to a heated exchange between lawmaker representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) and the senate president, Godswill Akpabio.

    Trouble began when Senator Natasha’s seat was relocated upon resumption of the session presided by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, but she refused to comply with the change.

    The Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Ali Monguno had drew the attention of the Senate President to what he described as the “improper seating position” of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    Monguno had hardly concluded a point of order, when Senator Natasha erupted in a loud confrontation, prompting the Sergeant-at-Arms to intervene and attempt to excuse her from the plenary.

    In the midst of the turmoil, Akpabio’s efforts to restore order were met with resistance as the female senator demanded an explanation for the alteration of her seat without her approval.

    “I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege,” the Kogi lawmaker said.

    The situation was eventually brought under control after the public address systems were turned off, allowing for a return to normal proceedings.

    Watch video below: