# Tags

SENATOR DICKSON LEADS DELEGATION TO VISIT SUSPENDED SENATOR AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN

Senator Seriake Dickson, former governor of Bayelsa State, led a delegation of opposition senators to visit suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at her residence on Friday. Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months after refusing to accept her newly assigned seat in the Senate chamber, sparking a dispute that escalated into allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Dickson, a member of the Senate’s Ethics and Privileges Committee, explained that he was absent from Senate proceedings on the day of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension due to his engagement with tax reform bills. “The public may recall that, for the past 3 days, I was attending the 3-day workshop on the Tax Reform Bills,” he stated. After concluding the workshop, Dickson led the delegation to visit Akpoti-Uduaghan and her husband at their home. He emphasized that as humans, senators have their low and high moments, “and it is a tradition for Senators to support each other during these moments”. Dickson said they offered advice on how to resolve the issues surrounding her suspension. The visit comes amid widespread debate and criticism, particularly from women’s rights groups and civil society organizations, following Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and allegations against Akpabio.

NIGERIANS IN DIASPORA CONDEMN SUSPENSION OF SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN

Nigerians in the diaspora have strongly condemned the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Nigerian Senate, led by Senator Godswill Akpabio. Francis Onabis, leader of the diaspora group, described the suspension as a “troubling development” that raises serious questions about the integrity of the legislative body. Onabis stated that while the official justification for the suspension was framed around procedural misconduct, the real issue prompting the suspension was the sexual allegations against Senator Akpabio. He maintained that the senate’s action is not only undemocratic but also borders on abuse of power designed to silence courageous voices. According to Onabis, sexual harassment is a grave issue that should not be dismissed, especially when allegations are made at the highest level of government. He emphasized that in a functional democracy, such accusations should trigger an independent investigation, with due process being followed. Onabis further explained that the Nigerian Senate, like other democratic institutions, should operate on the principles of fairness, accountability, and representation. He urged that the suspension should be reversed to allow for an independent panel to investigate the sexual allegations. The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has sparked widespread criticism, with many Nigerians questioning the Senate’s handling of the matter. Groups such as Voices for Inclusion and Equity for Women (VIEW) have condemned the action, stating that it highlights the systemic suppression of women’s voices in Nigerian politics.

ALEMA OF WARRI KINGDOM SPEAKS OUT ON WIFE’S DISPUTE WITH SENATE PRESIDENT

High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri Kingdom, has broken his silence on the ongoing dispute between his wife, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio. In a statement released on March 1, 2025, High Chief Uduaghan expressed his concerns about the harassment his wife has endured from the Senate President. “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,” High Chief Uduaghan said. He emphasized that his wife was duly elected by her people due to the immense love, respect, and confidence they have in her. “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,” he added. High Chief Uduaghan revealed that he personally met with the Senate President and respectfully urged him to extend the courtesy and respect his wife deserves. “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,” he said. He expressed his unwavering faith in his wife’s loyalty and commitment to their marriage. “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,” High Chief Uduaghan concluded.

MRS. AKPABIO FILES MULTIPLE LAWSUITS AGAINST SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN OVER ALLEGED DEFAMATION

Mrs. Unoma Godswill Akpabio, wife of the President of the Senate, has instituted multiple lawsuits against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court. The lawsuits follow Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. In the fundamental rights suit (Suit No: CV/814/25), Mrs. Akpabio sought N250 billion as general damages, claiming that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations constitute a flagrant violation of her fundamental rights. She also sought a perpetual injunction restraining Akpoti-Uduaghan from making further “inciteful, scandalous, and spiteful statements” that have caused her and her children emotional and psychological abuse. Additionally, in a separate defamation lawsuit (Suit No: CV/816/25), Mrs. Akpabio sought a declaration that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations on national television damaged her reputation and that of her family. She also demanded a formal written retraction and unconditional apology to be published in two nationally-read newspapers, as well as N1 billion in punitive and exemplary damages. Akpoti-Uduaghan had alleged that Akpabio was victimizing her in the Senate because she refused to sleep with him. She claimed that the Senate President made several sexual overtures at her, even in the presence of her husband. However, Mrs. Akpabio dismissed her claims, saying she was lying and creating content for her personal gain. The lawsuits highlight the escalating tension between the two women, with Mrs. Akpabio seeking legal redress for the alleged damage to her reputation and that of her family.

SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN SET TO ADDRESS CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has announced her intention to address the recent allegations of corruption and misconduct leveled against her. The allegations, contained in a petition submitted by a Northern youth group, accuse Akpoti-Uduaghan of financial misappropriation, abuse of power, and victimization of staff in her role as chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content. In a post on her verified Facebook page, Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed her readiness to confront the allegations, stating, “This petition came to my notice a few hours ago. It’s about time I break my silence.” She emphasized the importance of transparency and called for the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions to conduct a live broadcast of the proceedings. The specific allegations against Akpoti-Uduaghan include misappropriation of committee funds and coercing oil and gas companies for donations under false pretenses. The senator’s commitment to accountability is evident in her request for a live broadcast of the proceedings. As the situation unfolds, Akpoti-Uduaghan hinted that the coming days and weeks will be pivotal for Nigeria’s leadership, suggesting that her revelations could have significant implications for the Senate and beyond. This controversy has attracted considerable media attention, especially following her recent clash with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over a seating arrangement. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s announcement comes amidst a backdrop of tension between her and Senate President Akpabio, who has been accused of making sexist remarks against her. The senator’s determination to address the allegations and her commitment to transparency will likely be closely watched in the coming days.