Natasha Archives - Citybuzz News

Drama as Natasha Protests Exclusion from North Central Committee

February 16, 2026 by admin

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.

Natasha Returns to Senate, Occupies Seat That Sparked Her Suspension

October 7, 2025 by admin

ABUJA – Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central on Tuesday made a calm return to plenary, resuming duties and occupying the same seat that triggered her suspension earlier in the year. The senator entered the red chamber around 12 noon, shortly after Senate President Godswill Akpabio took over the session from his deputy, Senator Barau Jibrin, who had presided since about 11:15 a.m. Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan proceeded directly to her assigned seat in the minority section—right side of the sixth row in the seven-row section—without hesitation. Clad in an elegant white outfit with a matching head tie and dark sunglasses, she was warmly received by colleagues including Senators Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), Ogoshi Onawo (PDP, Nasarawa), Gbenga Daniel (APC, Ogun East), and Samaila Dahuwa (PDP, Bauchi North), who greeted her with handshakes. As of the time of filing this report, the senator had yet to make any contributions to the ongoing deliberations. Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 for six months following the recommendation of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. The committee accused her of defying the chamber’s seating arrangement and exhibiting alleged misconduct during the February 20 plenary session, when she protested the reassignment of her seat—an action that disrupted proceedings. Following the suspension, the Senate withdrew her security aides, locked her office, halted her salary and allowances, and barred her from entering the National Assembly complex. Her office, located in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing, was eventually reopened on September 23 by Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, allowing her to resume official duties later that day. Although she has now completed her six-month suspension, the matter remains pending before the court.

Akpabio Not Bigger Than Nigeria’s Constitution – Natasha

July 22, 2025 by admin

Suspended lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday, cautioned Senate President Godswill Akpabio against placing himself above the Nigerian Constitution. The senator also accused the Senate leadership of violating a valid court order by preventing her from resuming duties at the National Assembly. She disclosed this in an interview with journalists at the assembly complex. The senator representing Kogi Central arrived at the National Assembly complex to reclaim her seat following a ruling by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, which nullified her suspension. However, she was denied entry by security personnel at the gate. Fuming after the incident, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the development as a deliberate act of contempt by the Senate, particularly targeting Senate President Godswill Akpabio. “Akpabio cannot be greater than the Nigerian Constitution. I want Nigerians to know that the Office of the Senate President doesn’t give me legitimacy as a senator. The fact that he has done an appeal does not invalidate the decision of Justice Binta Nyako, and that does not stop me from being a senator. “I got my legitimacy as a senator from the people of Kogi who voted me into office as senator,” she said. The embattled senator said her continued exclusion speaks volumes about the state of Nigeria’s democracy. “That I’ve been denied entrance to the National Assembly is a statement being made. It’s on record that the National Assembly under Akpabio has decided to be in contempt of a court decision, and it’s quite ironic that they are lawmakers. “That poses the question: how far is our democracy in this day and age?” she stated. Akpoti-Uduaghan also faulted the legality of her initial suspension by the Senate. “Even the suspension ab initio was fraudulent—the document was faulty,” she stated. She revealed that her legal team would be approaching the appellate court for further interpretation and redress. “Going forward, I will have a meeting with my legal team so they can proceed to the appellate court to seek interpretation into what just happened. I’m a law-abiding citizen,” she added. As of press time, the Senate leadership had not released any statement on Tuesday’s standoff at the National Assembly. Punch

Courts Summon Akpabio, Nwaebonyi Over Natasha’s Rights Violation

June 5, 2025 by admin

Two Federal Capital Territory High Courts have separately summoned Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, over allegations of defamation, sexual harassment, and violation of the fundamental rights of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. In suit No. FCT/HC/CV/754/2025 before Justice Abubakar Idris Kutigi, the court granted leave to Akpoti-Uduaghan to serve the writ of summons and all accompanying processes—including hearing notices—on Senator Akpabio, both personally and in his capacity as Senate President. Also included in the summons are a senior legislative aide to Akpabio, Mr. Mfon Patrick, and the Clerk of the National Assembly. Justice Kutigi fixed June 9, 2025, for a report on the service of the summons. The court’s decision followed an ex parte motion (No. M/6603/2025) moved by U.J. Udoh, counsel to Akpoti-Uduaghan, supported by a six-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Hamzat Mogaji, litigation manager at Victor Giwa & Associates. In a related matter, suit No. FCT/HC/CV/1359/25, Justice A.O. Otaluka also granted leave for substituted service of court documents on Senator Nwaebonyi. The decision was based on an ex parte motion filed on May 10, 2025, supported by an eight-paragraph affidavit and argued by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Michael J. Numa. The matter was adjourned to June 25, 2025, for further hearing. Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently serving a six-month suspension from the Senate, has filed a ₦5b defamation lawsuit against Senator Nwaebonyi. She is challenging statements he made during a live appearance on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily on March 6, 2025. Punch

Natasha’s Recall Petition Fails To Meet Constitutional Requirements – INEC

April 3, 2025 by admin

The petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District, has failed to meet the constitutional requirements outlined in Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999. The Independent National Electoral Commission made this announcement on Thursday via its official X handle. The statement was signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun. The commission said, “The petition for the recall of the Senator representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).” In a detailed breakdown, INEC revealed that the petitioners failed to gather the requisite number of signatures/thumbprints, which must represent more than one-half of the registered voters in the Kogi Central Senatorial District. “For emphasis, a petition for the recall of a Senator must comply with the provision of Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) which requires the signatures of more than one-half of the registered voters in the constituency. “The total number of registered voters in the Kogi Central Senatorial District is 474,554. More than one-half of this figure (i.e. 50%+1) is 237,277+1 which is at least 237,278 voters,” INEC said. The total number of registered voters in the district is 474,554, meaning that at least 237,278 signatures were needed. However, only 208,132 signatures were collected, falling short by 29,146. “Across the 902 Polling Units in 57 Registration Areas and five Local Government Areas that make up the Senatorial District, the commission ascertained 208,132 signatures/thumbprints from the submission made by the petitioners. “This translates to 43.86% of the registered voters which falls short of the constitutional requirement by 29,146 signatories. “Consequently, the petition has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution. Therefore, no further action shall be taken on the recall of the Senator,” INEC declared. In line with the legal requirements, INEC also issued a Public Notice regarding the outcome of the review. The notice, alongside a summary of the signatures/thumbprints disaggregated by Local Government Areas, is available for public viewing on INEC’s official website and social media platforms. In recent weeks, Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio have been at the centre of a political crisis following her accusation of sexual harassment against him. Akpoti-Uduaghan had petitioned the Senate over the alleged misconduct, but on March 6, the Ethics Committee dismissed her claims and suspended her for six months without pay. The controversy escalated last week when some of her constituents submitted a recall petition to INEC, seeking to remove her from office. Punch

Natasha Apologises To Ezekwesili Over Clash With Nwaebonyi

March 26, 2025 by admin

Embattled Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has apologised to a former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, over her clash with the senator representing Ebonyi North, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi. PUNCH Online reports that Ezekwesili and Nwaebonyi clashed on Tuesday at the hearing of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions on a fresh petition from Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The Kogi lawmaker has repeatedly accused Akpabio of intimidating, maligning and sexually harassing her. On Tuesday, Ezekwesili joined Abiola Akiode, counsel for Akpoti-Uduaghan, and the petitioner, Zubairu Yakubu, at the senate committee hearing as a witness in the case. Nwaebonyi, who appeared as a witness for Akpabio, repeatedly interrupted the former minister during the hearing. Ezekwesili then asked the Senate Deputy Chief Whip to “compose himself and stop making noise” and said, “please, will you shut up?”. Following the comments, Nwaebonyi lashed out at the former minister. Responding, Nwaebonyi said, “You’re a fool. What do you mean? Why are you talking to me like that? I will not take it. You’re an insult to womanhood. People like you cannot be here.” Reacting to the clash in an X post on Wednesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan apologised to Ezekwesili over the insults hurled at her by the Imo lawmaker. The Kogi senator also commended the former minister for her unwavering commitment to good governance, education and democracy. She wrote, “Ma’am, I apologise for the insults. Know you took them for me… for us … as a mother and as a leader. Know that you are a true icon of integrity, courage, and visionary leadership. “Your unwavering commitment to good governance, education and democracy continues to inspire generations. “A champion of accountability… Nigerians appreciate you. I celebrate your brilliance, resilience and selfless service. You are a hero.” Punch

Judge Steps Down From Natasha’s Case After Akpabio’s Petition

March 25, 2025 by admin

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has stepped down from a case involving suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Justice Egwuatu was assigned to hear the suit, but on Tuesday, he announced that he would no longer handle the matter. He made this decision after Senate President Godswill Akpabio wrote a petition questioning his impartiality. Although the case was scheduled for hearing, when the court clerk called it up, the judge ruled that he was stepping aside. He said he would return the case file to the Chief Judge, who would assign it to another judge. On March 4, Justice Egwuatu issued an interim order stopping the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with disciplinary actions against Akpoti-Uduaghan. She was accused of violating Senate rules. The judge ruled that the disciplinary process should not continue until the case was decided. He also gave the defendants 72 hours to explain why the court should not stop them from investigating the senator without following the rules laid out in the 1999 Constitution, the Senate Standing Order 2023, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act. Justice Egwuatu allowed the senator to serve legal documents on the defendants using substituted means. The court ordered that the documents be given to the Clerk of the National Assembly or pasted at the National Assembly premises. They were also to be published in two national newspapers. The interim order came after the senator filed an urgent application. However, despite the court’s ruling, the Senate Committee still held its meeting and suspended her for six months. Later, after the defendants applied, Justice Egwuatu amended his earlier order. He removed the part that prevented the Senate from taking any action while the case was ongoing. Meanwhile, Akpabio’s legal team, led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, questioned the court’s authority to interfere in Senate affairs. Punch

I Won’t Be Forced Into Submission, Natasha Denies Apology Claims

March 24, 2025 by admin

Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has denied reports that she apologised to the Senate over the issue that led to her suspension. Akpoti-Uduaghan in a statement on Monday, described the claims as “false and misleading,” insisting that she still stands by her position. “The reports suggesting that I have apologized to the Senate and retracted my position are completely untrue. I stand firmly by my words and actions and have not issued any apology to the Senate or anyone regarding this matter,” she said. She criticised those spreading the false reports, accusing them of trying to twist the truth and mislead the public. The senator, who was suspended after a disagreement with Senate leadership, said she remains committed to defending the rights of her people. She also claimed that some individuals were trying to manipulate public opinion with fake statements. “I urge the public to disregard these rumours and publications as they do not represent my position. My commitment remains to truth, justice, and the people I represent.” She also expressed concern over what she called a planned effort to silence her voice in the National Assembly. She stated, “This is not just about me; it is about the integrity of our democracy. I will not be intimidated or forced into submission through false narratives.” She urged Nigerians to be careful of misinformation, adding that any official statement from her would come only from her verified channels. “I appreciate the support and solidarity of my people. Rest assured, I will continue to fight for what is right and just.” There have been calls for Akpoti-Uduaghan to be recalled following her suspension from the senate. The push to recall her followed her suspension from the Senate, after a heated dispute with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over seating arrangements. She also accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and has since taken her case before local and foreign media and the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union. Earlier, the Independent National Electoral Commission disclosed that it had received the petition seeking the recall process of Akpoti-Uduaghan as Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Secretary to the commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, received the petition on Monday. Punch

“I’m being Victimised, My Suspension Is An Attempt To Silence Me” – Natasha

March 18, 2025 by admin

The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has described her suspension from the Nigerian Senate as a deliberate attempt to silence her. Akpoti-Uduaghan disclosed that she is being victimised. She stated this in an interview with the BBC on Tuesday. “I am being victimised. My suspension is a way to silence me,” she said. Sharing her experience, she recounted an encounter with Akpabio at his home. “We were at his country home. He was taking me around his house. My husband was walking behind us. He held my hand. “He then squeezed my hands in a very suggestive way. We, women, know what it means when a man squeezes our hands in a suggestive way. “And he went, ‘Now that you’re in the Senate, I’ll make an opportunity for us to come here and have a good moment,’ you know, along that line.” When asked if Akpabio had made advances towards her inside the Senate chamber, she recalled another incident. “There was a time when I rushed to work and forgot to wear my ring. There were about five senators there. He said, ‘Oh Natasha, you are not wearing your ring, is this an invitation to treat?’ You know, statements like this.” Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexually harassing her. She was suspended from the Senate on March 6 for “gross misconduct” after a disagreement with Akpabio over seating arrangements. Reacting to her claims, the Senate’s Deputy Chief Whip, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, denied that Akpabio ever made sexual advances towards Akpoti-Uduaghan. He also dismissed her claim that the Senate was trying to silence her. “Senator Natasha’s legislative activities show this claim is not true,” Nwaebonyi said. She, however, escalated her dispute with Akpabio when she presented her case at a United Nations forum, calling for international intervention to hold the Nigerian Senate accountable. Punch

Natasha Suspended For Misconduct, Not Harassment Claim, Senate Replies IPU

March 13, 2025 by admin

The Nigerian Senate has defended its decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the Inter-Parliamentary Union, stating that her suspension was not related to allegations of sexual harassment but due to gross misconduct. Speaking before the IPU on Wednesday, the Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Kafilat Ogbara, dismissed claims made by Akpoti-Uduaghan at a United Nations event that she was suspended for raising allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Ogbara said she has been mandated by the National Assembly to present a response to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s speech delivered at the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the status of women. “In response to the call by the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Right Honorable Tulia Ackson to hear both sides of the matter, I have received a letter from the Nigerian Senate in my capacity as Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development of our parliament in Nigeria and the parliamentarian representing Nigeria at this conference,” she stated. She said, “Such allegations demand a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation. At the same time, we must ensure that fairness is upheld for all individuals involved and that justice is neither predetermined nor one-sided. “Nigeria remains firmly committed to upholding women’s rights and combating gender-based violence through strong legal frameworks and institutions. Our Parliament and Judiciary continue to undergo reforms to strengthen these efforts. “The ongoing legislative initiatives seek to address historical imbalances in women’s representation in our Parliament, including the Reserve Seats Bill and other crucial proposed constitutional amendments aimed at safeguarding the rights and privileges of women. These efforts underscore our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable political space.” Addressing the allegations against Akpabio, Ogbara said, “It is important to recognise that both the allegations made and the responses provided are serious matters that require careful and unbiased scrutiny. This issue, which remains subjudice, involves multiple elements, including allegations of sexual harassment and potential violations of Senate rules. While it is necessary to engage in introspection and understand any potential connections, these matters must also be considered separately. “It is imperative that we uphold the principles of fairness and ensure that no individual is prematurely judged without a transparent and impartial process. Therefore, I call for the following actions: A thorough and unbiased investigation, ensuring that all claims and defences are examined fairly and transparently. “Protection of all parties involved, safeguarding the rights of all individuals, and preventing any form of intimidation or retaliation, accountability and transparency and upholding institutional integrity by ensuring that due process is rigorously followed.” She then read the position paper of the Senate by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele. The Senate letter read in part, “Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behaviour and not as a result of allegation of sexual harassment or assault. “The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation and false narrative being circulated by certain media organisations regarding the six-month suspension of Senator Natsaha-Akpoti-Uduaghan. “Let it be unequivocally stated that Senator Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent act of misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders.” According to the Senate, Akpoti-Uduaghan was found guilty of violating Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate rules, which led to her suspension. “If Akpoti-Uduaghan had strictly followed its guiding principles, the Senate would have treated her petition based on merit in line with its practice, noting that she never obeyed the established practices of the institution where she was serving,” Bamidele said. The statement further explained, “Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was a decision of the Committee of the Whole Senate, following the submission of a report by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges.” The Senate accused her of “refusing to sit in her assigned seat during plenary on February 25, 2025, despite multiple pleas from the leadership and other ranking senators,” engaging in “unruly and disruptive behaviour,” and making “abusive and disrespectful remarks against the leadership of the Senate.” She was also accused of “defying and refusing to comply with the summons of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges mandated to investigate cases of misconduct.” The Senate maintained that her suspension was necessary to restore order and uphold the integrity of the legislative body. “No senator, regardless of status, gender, or political affiliation, is above the rules of the Senate. “Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was a direct consequence of her actions and nothing else,” the statement added. The Senate called on media organisations to “correct the misrepresentations” and refrain from spreading “falsehoods that undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative process.” Akpoti-Uduaghan escalated her dispute with Akpabio on Tuesday by presenting her case at a United Nations forum. The senator representing Kogi Central called for international intervention to hold the Nigerian Senate accountable. Punch