Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has pledged to reveal the leadership style of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Her statement comes after she was referred to the Senate’s Ethics and Disciplinary Committee following an altercation with Akpabio over a seating arrangement issue.
Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed her willingness to appear before the committee but emphasized that the proceedings should be conducted in public rather than behind closed doors. She made her intentions clear in an Instagram post, calling for the investigation to be broadcast live.
“Good morning, courageous people of Kogi Central, Kogi State, and Nigeria,” she wrote. “Although I have refrained from speaking publicly about this matter and several other events in the Senate under Senate President Akpabio, the time has come for me to break my silence. Arise News, set a date, and I will be there in person. Ask me anything. To Nigerians, I urge you to join the live broadcast of the probe, which I will insist on. The next few days and weeks will be crucial and will define the future of Nigeria’s leadership.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s comments came after a petition was filed against her by the Northern Youths Advocacy for Excellence, which was submitted to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. The petition accused the senator of corruption, abuse of power, and mistreatment of staff within the Senate Committee on Local Content, which she chairs.
The petition called for a thorough investigation into her alleged “illegal, subversive, and intimidating actions” and urged the committee to take appropriate disciplinary action. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan has denied the allegations and vowed to remain transparent, promising to address the claims and other issues related to Senate leadership.
The controversy began when the senator confronted the Senate President last week over a decision to relocate her seat in the Senate. The exchange escalated when Akpabio ordered Senate security to escort Akpoti-Uduaghan out of the chamber. However, other senators intervened, and the situation was diffused. The Senate, through a statement from its spokesman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, condemned Akpoti-Uduaghan for challenging the Senate President, reminding her that the Senate was not a place for entertainment.
In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a defamation lawsuit against Akpabio and others, seeking N100.3 billion in damages.
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