Exclusion

  The lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has protested what she described as a sustained pattern of marginalisation within the Senate, culminating in her alleged exclusion from the Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission. The controversy comes amid heightened scrutiny of committee appointments and influence in the 10th National Assembly, where committee memberships are widely regarded as critical platforms for legislative input, oversight functions, and constituency representation. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s grievance followed her alleged omission from the membership of the Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission — a body whose mandate directly impacts states within her geopolitical zone. The senator arrived at a committee meeting prepared to participate in the proceedings, only to discover that her name was missing from the official attendance list. Upon noticing the omission, she sought to consult the committee clerk to determine the reason for her exclusion, but was informed that the clerk was in the office of the committee chairman, Senator Titus Tartenger Zam. She subsequently proceeded to the chairman’s office for clarification. Tension reportedly flared during the ensuing exchange, with Akpoti-Uduaghan alleging that the chairman indicated his actions were based on instructions from higher authorities, though no details were provided. She said, “This incident is part of a recurring pattern of marginalisation. All senators are constitutionally equal in status, authority, and mandate.” The Kogi Central lawmaker questioned the procedural and constitutional basis for excluding her from a committee handling matters central to the North Central geopolitical zone. In a statement later made available to journalists in Abuja by her media aide, Mike Idoko, Akpoti-Uduaghan said tensions escalated when aides attached to the committee chairman confronted members of her media team. “Approximately six aides, including the chairman’s secretary, seized my cinematographer’s phone and engaged in verbal hostility. This is unacceptable,” she said. Reaffirming her commitment to what she described as fairness and institutional integrity, Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained that her position was anchored on the electoral mandate given to her by the people of Kogi Central. She pledged to continue advocating for equitable treatment whenever legislative rights are undermined.