WELCOME TO KTNBIO

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has again publicly criticised Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), expressing concerns that her actions and attitude may discourage politicians from appointing women to high-ranking positions.

“When this issue began, she initially brought it to the Senate through a petition but did not allow the chamber to deliberate on it before taking it to court. Even then, she did not allow the court to address it before escalating the matter to the international community,” Akpabio said during a plenary session on Thursday.

Akpabio drew parallels with a hypothetical scenario involving former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Joe Biden, stating, “If such an allegation were made, it would create a precedent where no woman would ever be chosen as vice president again.”

Despite his criticism, Akpabio urged politicians not to let Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions affect opportunities for other women, including his four daughters.

“I have four daughters, and I want to plead with politicians to still give them and other women a chance. The sins of one should not be used to punish others.”

Akpabio also condemned Akpoti-Uduaghan’s decision to take the matter to international platforms, particularly her recent address to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in New York.

“I am aware that after she left the chamber, she went to Brekete Radio and Arise Television to distort the facts. She has now externalized the matter, attempting to embarrass Nigeria before the international community by presenting a false narrative at the IPU UN event.”

He expressed gratitude to Rt. Hon. Kafilat Okpara for countering Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims in New York, urging the international community not to misrepresent Nigeria.

SaharaReporters earlier reported that Natatsh through her lawyers has filed a contempt charge against Akpabio and three others for allegedly disobeying a valid court order.

In Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is listed as the plaintiff, while the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the President of the Senate, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, Senator Neda Imasuem, are named as the first to fourth defendants and alleged contemnors.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu had previously granted an ex-parte order on March 4, restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from conducting disciplinary proceedings against Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Justice Egwuatu, in the ex-parte application supported by a 25-paragraph affidavit filed by Natasha’s legal team on March 3, 2025, and argued on March 4, specifically said “an order of this honourable court is made declaring that any action taken during the pendency of his Suit is null, void and of no effect whatsoever.”

Despite the existence of the court order, which was widely publicised, the Senate proceeded to suspend Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months over alleged misconduct.

The Senate also directed that her office be sealed and ordered her to hand over all Senate property in her possession to the Clerk of the National Assembly for the duration of the suspension.

The decision followed the adoption of a report by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South.

The committee initiated disciplinary proceedings after the February 20 incident between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio.