Political Crisis Erupts as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Vows Legal Battle Against Suspension

In a dramatic escalation of political tensions within Nigeria’s Senate, Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has vowed to challenge in court the six-month suspension imposed on her following a heated confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The controversial suspension, which has drawn widespread condemnation, stems from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio and her refusal to adhere to the red chamber’s seating arrangement directives.

Legal Showdown Looms

Victor Giwa, legal counsel to the embattled senator, dismissed the Senate’s resolution as unconstitutional, arguing that it directly violates a subsisting court order. Speaking to The PUNCH on Thursday, Giwa confirmed that legal action would be pursued against the Senate for its defiance of the judiciary.

“The suspension is void and illegal,” Giwa declared. “The Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges disobeyed a valid court order that restrained them from taking further action. This is a direct affront to the rule of law.”

Giwa further disclosed that the case is set to resume in court within two weeks, during which they will highlight the Senate’s disregard for the judiciary. He warned that the chamber’s actions undermine democratic principles and set a dangerous precedent.

National and International Condemnation

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and opposition political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, have denounced the Senate’s decision as an abuse of power. Legal analysts argue that Akpoti-Uduaghan was denied fair hearing, a fundamental breach of her constitutional rights.

Huwaila Muhammad, Chairperson of the NBA Women Forum, sharply criticized the process, stating, “This suspension is nothing but a political maneuver aimed at silencing a female senator who dared to challenge authority. The entire matter should have been handled in the interest of justice, ensuring she was given a fair hearing before any decision was reached.”

Power Play in the Senate

The suspension, enforced without pay, was imposed after the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of allegedly breaching Senate rules. Her punishment includes the withdrawal of security details, the locking of her office, and a complete ban from legislative activities. The committee further stated that any reconsideration of her suspension would be contingent on a written apology to the Senate President—a recommendation later amended to take effect only after the completion of her six-month suspension.

However, Akpoti-Uduaghan has remained defiant, rejecting the suspension as an orchestrated plot to muzzle her for speaking out against Akpabio. “This injustice against me will not stand. I will fight against it,” she declared before being escorted out of the chamber by security personnel.

The Akpabio Connection: A Personal Betrayal?

In an unexpected twist, Akpabio revealed that he had previously attended Akpoti-Uduaghan’s wedding, insinuating a personal connection to her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan. This revelation has fueled speculation that the senator’s suspension may be driven by personal vendettas rather than legislative decorum.

Meanwhile, the Senate’s decision to strip her of security aides but retain the salaries of her legislative staff has sparked mixed reactions. While some lawmakers, including former Senate President Ahmad Lawan, attempted to intervene, Akpabio remained resolute, rejecting any motion to reconsider her suspension.

Implications for Democracy

As political observers weigh in, concerns are mounting over the broader implications of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension. Many view it as an assault on free speech and a blatant attempt to suppress dissent within Nigeria’s legislature. Critics warn that this move could embolden future abuses of power, setting a troubling precedent for female lawmakers and opposition voices.

With the legal battle set to unfold, the world watches closely. Will the judiciary uphold the rule of law, or will political maneuvering continue to overshadow Nigeria’s democratic processes? One thing remains clear: Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is not backing down, and this political firestorm is far from over.

Senate Dismisses Sexual Harassment Petition Against Akpabio, Labels It ‘Dead on Arrival’ Amid Growing Controversy

The Nigerian Senate has dismissed the sexual harassment petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, citing procedural violations and declaring it ‘dead on arrival.’ The decision came amid a heated exchange in the red chamber, with legal and ethical debates dominating the plenary session. However, the dismissal has sparked nationwide outrage, with activists and political observers questioning the Senate’s commitment to addressing gender-based allegations.

Background of the Allegations

Akpoti-Uduaghan, a senator representing Kogi Central, had accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances toward her during a visit to his residence in Akwa Ibom State on December 8, 2023. She claimed that Akpabio held her hand, led her around his house, and propositioned her while her husband trailed behind them. Furthermore, she alleged that the Senate President suggested that she should “make him happy” if she wanted her motions to receive favorable consideration on the Senate floor.

These allegations surfaced shortly after the Senate referred Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for protesting a new seating arrangement in the chamber. Critics argue that the swift dismissal of her petition is an attempt to silence her voice and discredit her claims.

Akpabio Denies Allegations, Senate Rules Violation Cited

During the plenary session, Akpabio categorically denied the accusations, emphasizing his respect for women. He stated:

“I have the highest regard for women. At no time did I ever attempt any form of sexual harassment. Even as a state governor, I was awarded various honors, including ‘The Most Gender-Friendly Governor’ in Nigeria.”

Supporting Akpabio, Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno cited Senate Standing Rules, emphasizing that a petition can only be presented by a senator other than the petitioner. Rule 40(4) explicitly states that “no senator may present to the Senate a petition signed by himself.”

Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele warned that entertaining the petition would set a dangerous precedent. However, human rights organizations argue that procedural technicalities should not overshadow the gravity of the allegations, especially in a society where victims of sexual misconduct often struggle to have their voices heard.

Senate Ethics Committee Dismisses Petition Amid Public Outcry

Following the debate, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, officially dismissed the petition. Imasuen argued that the issue was already before the courts and, as per Senate tradition, could not be deliberated upon by the committee.

“The first thing we ask when a petition comes before us is whether or not the matter is already in court. If the answer is yes, we do not entertain such petitions. Furthermore, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan signed her own petition, which violates Senate rules,” Imasuen stated.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was notably absent from the committee hearing, which the chairman attributed to possible legal counsel. However, her supporters claim she was deliberately sidelined in a bid to suppress her allegations.

Judiciary Intervenes, Protesters Demand Akpabio’s Resignation

In a related development, the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the National Assembly to justify why the Senate should not be restrained from disciplining Akpoti-Uduaghan over the alleged misconduct. Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted an interim injunction preventing the Senate from taking disciplinary action until the court reviews the matter.

Meanwhile, mass protests erupted across Abuja, Lagos, and other cities, as activists and concerned citizens condemned the Senate’s decision. Protesters marched to the National Assembly, calling for Akpabio’s resignation. Carrying placards reading, “Justice for Natasha” and “Say No to Sexual Harassment in Government”, the demonstrators were blocked from entering the Senate complex by security personnel.

Conversely, a group known as the Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders dissociated itself from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims, condemning what they termed “unnecessary escalation.” In a letter signed by Convener Abdulraheem Adeku, they criticized the senator’s approach, stating:

“A simple compliance issue with Senate rules has degenerated into a vicious attack on the Senate President. Such personal grievances should not undermine the integrity of the National Assembly.”

Calls for an Independent Investigation Grow

Amid rising tensions, women’s rights organizations, legal experts, and opposition politicians have called for an independent investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations. They argue that dismissing the case on procedural grounds sends a dangerous message about the treatment of harassment claims in Nigeria’s political space.

Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and other legal bodies to intervene.

“This case goes beyond legislative rules; it speaks to the culture of impunity in our governance system. An independent panel should be set up to investigate the matter fairly and transparently.”

Next Steps and Legal Implications

With the dismissal of the petition, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal battle now hinges on the judiciary’s intervention. The court has instructed the National Assembly to respond within 72 hours, setting the stage for further legal confrontations. Meanwhile, civil society organizations are mobilizing to ensure the case remains in the public eye, vowing to continue protests until a proper investigation is conducted.

The unfolding controversy continues to grip the nation, sparking debates on power dynamics, gender issues, and parliamentary decorum within Nigeria’s legislative system. Whether this case will lead to meaningful policy changes or be buried in bureaucratic and political maneuvering remains to be seen.

Abeokuta North LG Chairman, Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo Inaugurates Lisabi Festival With ‘Ayo Olopon’ Competition

Every year in the month of March, the Egba people in their wisdom and vision will gather once in a year to remember their illustrious and brave liberator, Lisabi Agbongbo Akala in the famous Lisabi Festival. So, yesterday 4th of March 2025, Council Chairman at Abeokuta North Local Government Akomoje, Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo ‘Lanre in Habeeb Ajayi Multipurpose Hall of the Local Government Secretariat has declared the Year Festival open with Ayo Olopon Competition (Traditional Game).

The festival is a rallying point for all Egba sons and daughters from far and wide to celebrate the fearless and brave feats of Lisabi in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Little wonder the festival itself took after the name of the warrior.

Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo who showed enthusiasm while joining the participant in the Game with his Vice Chairman to demonstrate the reach culture of the festival. He however used the medium to beckon on to Egba descendants in oversees to imbibe in the Culture further advised not to forget their sources.

He said this that 38th LISABI Day Celebration is yearly done to unite all Egbas in the World.
That, Egba people are one of the Yoruba sub-ethnic groups comprising of Ake, Owu, Oke Ona and Gbagura in Ogun Central Senatorial district which is divided into six local government areas, namely, Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South, Ewekoro, Ifo, Obafemi Owode and Odeda local governments.

Those in attendance in the opening event were: the Vice Chairman of the Local Government, Hon. Egbeyemi Taiyelolu, Leader of the Legislative Arm of the Local Government, Hon. Moruf Erubami, Secretary to the Local Government; Engr. Mutiat Agbaje, Head of the Local Government Administration, Mrs. Kikelomo Ajayi and the Head of Community Development and Social welfare Mrs. Adekunle Aderonke.