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SENATE REFUSES TO REINSTATE SENATOR AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN DESPITE COURT JUDGMENT

The Nigerian Senate has refused to reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan despite a Federal High Court judgment that paved the way for her return to the red chamber. In a letter signed by Charles Yoila, Director of Litigation and Counselling, on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly, the Senate declared that the court’s ruling is “non-binding and advisory at best.” The Senate’s decision signals open defiance of the judiciary and has drawn a sharp battle line between the two arms of government. Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed a fresh cross-appeal at the Court of Appeal, accusing the trial court of “judicial overreach.” His lead counsel, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, argued that the court veered into territory beyond Akpoti-Uduaghan’s original claims, violating the boundaries of legislative autonomy. The confrontation could deepen the constitutional crisis, stirring fresh legal battles and potential public outrage. Civil society groups and angry constituents are already mobilizing, demanding immediate enforcement of the court’s verdict. “The court has spoken,” said a Lagos-based rights advocate. “Now the Senate must choose—obedience to the rule of law or descent into legislative impunity.” For now, the Senate remains defiant. But with rising public scrutiny and mounting democratic pressure, the question looms large: Will Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan return to the Senate through the gavel of justice—or the will of the people? The coming days may decide not just her fate, but the balance of power between Nigeria’s courts and its lawmakers.

SENATE REPLACES AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN AS DIASPORA COMMITTEE CHAIR

The Senate has announced the replacement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations. She has been succeeded by Senator Aniekan Bassey (APC, Akwa Ibom North East). The announcement was made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Thursday’s plenary session. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March for six months over what was described as disorderly conduct during Senate proceedings. Prior to this, she had faced two committee reassignments earlier in the year – first removed from the influential Local Content Committee in February, and then appointed to the Diaspora and NGOs committee shortly afterward. Although a Federal High Court has since ruled that the six-month suspension was excessive and ordered her reinstatement, the official certified judgment has yet to be issued. This delay has contributed to continued uncertainty regarding her full return to Senate duties. The Senate’s decision to replace Akpoti-Uduaghan comes despite the court ruling, leaving her future in the Senate uncertain. Akpabio’s announcement confirms the change in committee leadership, with Senator Bassey taking over as the new Chairperson of the Diaspora and NGOs committee.

COURT TO DELIVER JUDGMENT ON SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN’S SUSPENSION CASE ON JUNE 27

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed June 27 for judgment in the case filed by suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is challenging her suspension from the Senate. The suspension was reportedly based on allegations of misconduct and claims of bias raised by one of the parties involved in the matter. Akpoti-Uduaghan, represented by her lawyer Jibrin Okutekpa, SAN, is seeking the court’s intervention to overturn the Senate’s decision, arguing that the suspension was unjust and politically motivated. The senator had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, which led to her suspension for six months. During the court proceedings, Justice Binta Nyako expressed dissatisfaction with the multiplicity of processes filed by the respondents and warned both sides that the court would no longer tolerate frivolous applications or deliberate delays. “This matter has dragged enough,” she said firmly. “We must bring it to a close.” The defendants, including the Senate President, the Senate, and Senator Neda Imasuem, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, had filed a contempt application against Akpoti-Uduaghan, alleging that she disobeyed a court order by posting a satirical apology to the Senate President on her Facebook page. However, the respondents later withdrew the contempt application. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Michael Numan, argued that the alleged contemptuous statement had no connection to his client and that the plaintiff had also filed a contempt motion against the defendants for allegedly disobeying court directives. Justice Nyako has now scheduled June 27 for the final judgment in the case, which could have significant implications for legislative discipline, freedom of expression, and the rights of elected officials in Nigeria.

PROF. MGBEKE ACCUSES SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN OF FABRICATING SEXUAL HARASSMENT CLAIMS AGAINST AKPABIO, ALLEGES N200M BRIBE AND PLOT AGAINST TINUBU

Human rights activist Sandra Duru, widely known as Professor Mgbeke, has leveled explosive allegations against Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of orchestrating a false sexual harassment claim against Senate President Godswill Akpabio as part of a broader plot to destabilize the government. In a detailed Facebook post, Mgbeke claimed Natasha admitted in recorded phone conversations that the allegations were fabricated to remove Akpabio and undermine President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which she allegedly referred to as a “Yoruba Government” targeted to prevent an eight-year tenure. Mgbeke disclosed that Natasha repeatedly contacted her, offering N200 million to mobilize women’s groups and international organizations like the United Nations to pressure Akpabio’s removal. “Natasha told me there was no sexual harassment. She has no evidence. The plan was to use ‘useful idiots’ like Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, FIDA, and others to disrupt Senate proceedings,” Mgbeke stated, sharing excerpts of recorded calls. She also accused Natasha of plotting to falsely link Akpabio to the murder of a man named Umoren, claiming his kidney was transplanted into Akpabio’s wife—a narrative Mgbeke called “politically motivated lies.” According to Mgbeke, Natasha boasted of recruiting media outlets, including Arise News, to amplify her claims and even secure awards to legitimize her cause. “She called supporters ‘Gullible & Hungry’ citizens eager to fight the government. Akpabio isn’t the real target—Tinubu is,” Mgbeke alleged, adding that Natasha aimed to position herself as Kogi governor or Petroleum Minister in exchange for her role. Mgbeke further denied Natasha’s claims of never knowing her, revealing they were introduced by an unnamed political party leader. “She threatened me when I refused to join her malicious schemes. I’ve shared all evidence with security agencies,” she said, urging authorities to investigate the recordings and alleged financial transactions. Natasha has yet to publicly respond to the allegations. Mgbeke concluded, “Natasha lies like a daft. She’s fantastic with deception and must be exposed before she destroys innocent lives.” The Department of State Services and police are reportedly reviewing the evidence, as calls grow for a probe into what Mgbeke describes as a “selfish, dangerous plot against democracy.”

SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN ACCUSES SENATE PRESIDENT AKPABIO OF PLOTTING HER ELIMINATION, ALLEGES SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of orchestrating a plot to recall her from the Senate, eliminate her, and install a replacement, while alleging relentless sexual harassment. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, the senator claimed Akpabio colluded with former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to strip her of security details, leaving her vulnerable to harm. Akpoti-Uduaghan stated, “Akpabio stripped me of my security to make me vulnerable. What other evidence do you need to know that he planned to eliminate me?” She alleged the Senate President’s “hatred and hostility” stemmed from her refusal to succumb to his sexual advances, leading him to block her legislative motions and contributions. “He refuses my motions and contributions because I refused his sexual advances. His not allowing my motions and contributions is frustrating. He wanted to break me down and succumb to his advances,” she said. The senator described enduring “unbearable” pressure, forcing her to publicly confront Akpabio. “I had to cry out because the hatred and hostility of Akpabio against me became unbearable. I’m passing through difficult moments but I remain resolute,” she declared. She further criticized the Senate Committee on Ethics, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, for suspending her for six months without a fair hearing, a move she claimed was politically motivated to silence her. Akpoti-Uduaghan urged women to resist intimidation, stating, “People especially women should find the courage to speak the truth.” She reiterated her resolve to continue her legislative duties despite the alleged gang-up, vowing, “I just wanted Akpabio to leave me alone.” The Senate has yet to formally respond to the allegations.

GROUNDED ORDERS, FLYING FREEDOM: NATASHA’S UNEXPECTED POLITICAL THRILLER

…Of helicopters, drums and democracy, Natasha’s Sallah home coming @Ambassador T. Brikins A few years ago, the doyen of Nigerian comedy, Ali Baba, told me that Nigeria is a comedy. He said, “You don’t even need to be a genius to pick it—comedy abounds everywhere.” Today, I witnessed a full-blown satirical drama unfold—not on Netflix, but live in Ihima, Kogi State, Nigeria. What happened in Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s nativity could pass for an award-winning political thriller. Nobody saw it coming. But it came—with suspense, surprise, drums, dances, ululations, and a white helicopter cutting through the sky. It flew boldly over a tactless chivalry of ground forces—curfews, bans, blockades—all grounded by a government’s executive indiscretion. In a country where the Constitution boldly grants the right to freedom of assembly, movement, and expression, a sitting Senator needed to defy police threats and a state-imposed ban just to celebrate Sallah with her people. She didn’t come with a manifesto; she came with joy. She didn’t call for protest; she called for celebration. Yet, the system responded with hostility, suspicion, and fear. Natasha stood her ground. With grace and grit, she declared: “This is not campaign season. I’m not breaking any law. I’m here to celebrate with my people.” And just like that, democracy took flight, literally and figuratively. Her Ukrainian-Nigerian heritage tells the backstory of resilience. Ukraine has taught the world how to face down giants. And today, she echoed that spirit—choosing to meet her people in the open, not behind walls of fear. In truth, this isn’t just Natasha’s story—it’s Nigeria’s. Where elected representatives must battle gatekeepers to reach the electorate, and state forces act as partisan tools, not protectors of the law. Yet, her helicopter rose. Her people sang. And her presence reminded us what best democratic practice should look like: dialogue over decree, freedom over fear, representation over repression. Today, the senator didn’t just visit; she resisted. She didn’t just show up; she showed courage. And in doing so, she reminded us that even in a land drowning in contradictions, freedom still flies—sometimes in a white chopper. @Ambassador T. BrikinsMass Communications and Competitive Intelligence Consultant/ Advocate for DemocracyReachEmail: businessgrowthinitiative@gmail.comWhatsApp: +234 802 3131300 @NatashaAkpoti-Uduaghan Kogipolitics.#Nigeriandemocracy.#FreedomofassemblyNigeria.#Sallahcelebration.#PoliticaldramaNigeria.#Civilresistance.#Senatorhomecoming.#PolicebanNigeria. GroundedOrdersFlyingFreedom.#NatashaAkpoti.#DemocracyInNigeria.#SallahWithThePeople.#DefyingOppression.#ConstitutionalRights

SENATOR NATASHA’S PLANNED ARREST THREATENS NIGERIAN DEMOCRACY

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has raised an alarm over plans to arrest her, sparking widespread concern about the state of Nigeria’s democracy. The senator’s fears stem from what she perceives as a targeted effort to silence her voice. Any attempt to arrest her, she warns, would serve as undeniable evidence that Nigeria’s democratic ideals are under severe threat. In a statement, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), High Chief Peter Ameh, condemned the alleged plans to arrest Senator Natasha. “The senator’s outcry is not just a personal plea for justice; it is a clarion call to all Nigerians who cherish the principles of democracy to stand against what could be the beginning of a full-blown dictatorship,” Peter Ameh said. The situation is further complicated by the conduct of the Nigerian Senate, which has refused to grant Senator Natasha a fair hearing. This refusal undermines the institution’s role in upholding justice and fairness. Peter Ameh emphasized that the Senate must reverse its decision and grant Senator Natasha a fair hearing, while the government must reaffirm its commitment to democratic ideals. The alleged plan to arrest Senator Natasha Akpabio has sparked widespread outrage, with many Nigerians viewing it as an attack on democracy. As Peter Ameh noted, the stakes are high, and the time to act is now—before the echoes of dictatorship drown out the voices of the people.

SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI: CSOs ADVISE WOMEN GROUPS

Following the disruptive behavior of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the Senate Chambers during plenary, the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations for Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity and Justice and the Media Practitioners for Development have advised Women Groups in Nigeria not to be manipulated by the antics of the Senator representing Kogi Central. In a press statement made available to journalists in Abuja and signed by the duo of Mr James Okoronkwo and Mr Johnson Eze, leaders of the groups, they admonished women coalitions not to allow themselves to be deluded by Senator Natasha Akpoti’s false allegation of sexual harassment and victimization, lamenting that her recalcitrance, disregard for Senate Rules and disrespect for the nation’s apex law- making body must be condemned by all law- abiding women across Nigeria. Lastly, the group chided former Senate President, Bukola Saraki for trying to make political capital from the Senator Natasha Akpoti’s abrasive campaign of using sexual harassment to cover misconduct in the Senate. The group recalled that Senator Bukola Saraki also did not resign nor step aside as Senate President when he was tried by the Code of Conduct Tribunal for false assets declaration during his tenure.

THE ILLEGALITY OF NATASHA’S SUSPENSION, AKPABIO’S GAME PLAN AND THE MACABRE DANCE OF THE 10TH SENATE

Friday Lines (51) With Dr Abubakar Alkali 7/3/25 (1) There is the Urgent Need for the U.S, U.K and France to Impose Visa Restrictions on the Entire Leadership of the 10th Senate for Promoting Undemocratic Tenets’(2) The major problem with Nigeria is not ethnicity or religious divides but the ‘truth-averse syndrome’ where a person will see the truth and willingly shy away from it for personal gains.(3) The mishandling of the Natasha V Akpabio sexual harassment matter by the 10th senate again reminds us to look for an answer to the opt-repeated question initially posed by PW Botha, the former Prime Minister of Apartheid South Africa. ‘Can the Blackman Rule Over Himself? In Friday lines 50 published last week on this subject, i emphasised on the fact that Sen Godswill Akpabio needs to resign urgently as President of the senate to allow for an independent, forensic and unbiased investigation into the sexual harassment allegations levelled against him by Sen Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.The basis of my argument and that of several other pro-people thinkers was that Sen Akpabio cannot be a judge in his own case. The law is clear: Nemo debet esse judex in propria causa. In fact, no person should judge a case in which he has an interest to avoid a conflict of interest. What we saw yesterday on the floor of the senate during the purported suspension of Sen Natasha was the exact same anomaly we spoke against: Sen Akpabio sitting as the judge, jury and determinant in his own case. This is Nigeria! Who cares? Knowingly or unknowingly to the senate, they are a shade too late to suspend Sen Natasha because a federal high court sitting in Abuja has ruled for the maintenance of status quo ante bellum.To this end, Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the federal high court in his ruling on the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/384/25; between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan v. The Clerk of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria & 3 Ors.” has restrained the senate committee on ethics, privileges and public petitions or any committee for that matter from conducting any disciplinary proceedings against Sen Natasha.The learned judge also asked the senate to justify its probe of Natasha within 72 hours.The senate in clear contravention of this court order went ahead to suspend Sen Natasha and never bothered to revert to the court to justify its trial of Natasha as required by the court. In this regard, the purported recommendation by the senate committee on ethics to the committee of the whole senate to suspend Sen Natasha is null, void and of no effect whatsoever. Since the senate acted on that purported recommendation by the ethics committee to suspend Sen Natasha, the action of the senate has no basis in law and is therefore null, void and of no effect whatsoever. The matter is subjudice since it is already in court and thus cannot be a subject of public discourse elsewhere. Clearly the senate, a supposed law making body has erred in law. In the light of this ruling, the chairman of the senate committee on ethics, privileges and public petitions Sen Neda Imasuen should be sued by Sen Natasha for contempt of court and libel having arranged an illegal commitee sitting and prepared a so-called ‘report’ in defiance of the court order. The court has ruled that any action taken within the subsistence of the court ruling is null, void and of no effect whatsoever. The court also adjourned hearing to March 10 2025. In reality, the game plan of Akpabio for suspending Natasha is to get her to apologise so that she would technically clear him of her sexual allegations and he will use it against her in a court of law for defamation of character and libel.If for any reason, Sen Natasha apologises to Sen Akpabio and/or the senate, she would have made a huge mistake and thrown herself open for further litigation and gagging by senator Akpabio or the senate itself. Sen Akpabio knows full well that the sexual allegations by Sen Natasha will be hanging on his neck in the court of public opinion forever. He also knows full well that no court will clear him of these damning allegations over sexual harassment and abuse of office to curry sexual favours by force. Hence he (Akpabio) desperately wants an apology from Natasha to clear himself of the sexual allegations and use it to finally silence Sen Natasha once and for all. She might even do his bidding eventually as he will keep hoping. Sen Natasha must never succumb to pressure to apologise. It is Akpabio who should apologise not Natasha. It is Akpabio who brought the senate to disrepute not Natasha. These sexual harassment allegations by Natasha added to the earlier sex-related allegations by Ms Joy Nunieh have cast a shadow of doubt on Sen Akpabio’s career, character and reputation as a public servant. Is he fit to hold a public office in the face of all these allegations by multiple women over sexual harassment? The man Akpabio is alleged to have an insatiable carvenous appetite for women and will not lift his eye at the sight of beauty. A woman can destroy your career in a flash but not the other way round. Akpabio should seek interpretation to the story of prophet Yusuf and Zulaikha in Qur’an Surah 12:25. The fact is that the 10th senate which has actually assumed the status of a cult, does not really suspend any senator but they flag a fake red light to silence and intimidate the senator for saying the truth. After a few weeks and having put fear into that senator, they will ‘reconsider’ the suspension and recall the senator. Recall the purported suspensions of Sen Ali Ndume and Sen Abdul Ningi both of which were shortlived and turned out to be mere efforts at silencing them from saying the truth. The method worked anyway as both senators Ndume and Ningi shied away from making further

SERAP URGES SENATE PRESIDENT AKPABIO TO REINSTATE SUSPENDED SENATOR AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio to immediately rescind the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. SERAP described the suspension as “patently unlawful” and stated that it is based solely on the peaceful exercise of her constitutionally and internationally recognized right to freedom of expression. In an open letter dated March 8, 2025, SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare said, “No one should ever be punished for ‘speaking without permission’. Being a senator does not deprive Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan of her fundamental human rights.” Oluwadare emphasized that the Senate should be setting an example by upholding the rule of law and promoting and protecting fundamental human rights, not stamping them out. “Punishing Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan solely for peacefully expressing herself is unlawful, unnecessary, and disproportionate,” he added. The letter also stated that the suspension would have a disproportionate chilling effect on the ability of other members of the Senate to freely express themselves and exercise their human rights. SERAP gave the Senate a 48-hour ultimatum to reinstate Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and revise parliamentary procedures that unduly restrict senators’ human rights. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months after she reportedly ‘spoke without permission’ and ‘refused her new seat in the upper legislative chamber.’ Her salary and allowances will not be paid for the duration of the suspension, and she was banned from representing herself as a senator.

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