Senate Drama Unfolds as Senator Cyril Fasuyi Announces Petition from Kayode Fayemi Against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
In a dramatic turn of events at the Nigerian Senate plenary session, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, representing Ekiti North Senatorial District, declared that former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, intends to present a petition against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over allegations concerning the Ajaokuta Steel Company.
Senator Fasuyi, while making his statement, invoked Psalm 34:19, saying, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all.” He proceeded to announce that Fayemi would be officially submitting a petition to counter what he termed as a false accusation made by Senator Natasha, alleging that Fayemi sold the Ajaokuta Steel Mill during his tenure as Minister.
“Mr. Senate President, before I say what I want to say, I want to refer you to Psalms 34 line 19. My President, I want to bring up a case that happened when my former governor was ex-Minister of the Federal Republic. I want to say this: that my former governor is going to bring a petition on the allegation that Senator Natasha claimed he (Fayemi) sold Ajaokuta Steel Mill.”
Fasuyi further emphasized that as of today, Ajaokuta Steel remains the property of the Federal Government, dismissing any claims that Fayemi sold it while in office.
However, in a swift reaction, Fayemi’s media office categorically denied any plans to submit such a petition and rebuffed any claims of misconduct against him. A statement signed by Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, head of Fayemi’s media office, clarified the former minister’s position, accusing Senator Fasuyi of misrepresenting facts.
Fayemi Responds, Denies Petition Claims
The statement reads in part: “We have become aware of a statement made by Senator Cyril Fasuyi during today’s Senate plenary, in which he alleged that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously accused Dr. Kayode Fayemi of sexual harassment. We categorically state that this claim is entirely false. At no time has Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan—or anyone else, for that matter—ever accused Dr. Fayemi of such misconduct.”
It further clarified that the only interaction between Fayemi and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was during his tenure as Minister of Mines and Steel Development, where discussions strictly revolved around policy matters concerning the Ajaokuta Steel Company. The statement emphasized that while differences in opinions may have existed, there were no allegations of personal misconduct or wrongdoing against Fayemi.
The rebuttal also urged Senator Fasuyi to verify facts before making public statements, especially on issues that could potentially tarnish reputations. “We urge Senator Fasuyi to exercise greater diligence in verifying facts before making public statements, especially on sensitive matters that could damage reputations,” the statement read.
The controversy adds another layer to the ongoing debates around the fate of Ajaokuta Steel and the political undercurrents shaping discourse in Nigeria’s legislative chambers. It remains to be seen whether Senator Fasuyi will retract his statements or proceed with the alleged petition, despite Fayemi’s office distancing itself from the claims.
Signed
Mallam Ahmad Sajoh
Head, Fayemi Media Office, Abuja
March 5, 2025