Senate President Akpabio Slams Senator Natasha for Taking Case to Media and IPU

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has accused Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of bypassing the Senate’s internal procedures and escalating her grievances to the media and international organizations. Akpabio criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s decision to take her case to Brekete TV, Arise TV, and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), alleging that her actions were intended to mislead the public and embarrass Nigeria on the global stage.

Senate President Akpabio has voiced strong disapproval of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s media appearances following her suspension. He stated that rather than allowing the Senate to deliberate on her complaints, she chose to sensationalize the issue on public platforms such as Brekete TV and Arise TV. Akpabio claimed that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s statements in these interviews were misleading, painting a false narrative of victimization while omitting crucial details about her alleged misconduct within the Senate chamber.

Senate President Akpabio further insisted that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s media tour was a calculated attempt to tarnish the image of the Senate and create unnecessary public outcry. He emphasized that the legislative chamber has well-established mechanisms for handling disputes, and bypassing these processes demonstrates a lack of respect for institutional order and discipline.

Senate Rebukes Natasha’s Appeal to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

Senate President Akpabio expressed frustration that Akpoti-Uduaghan did not only take her complaints to Nigerian media but also escalated the issue to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). He revealed that before the Senate could review her petition, she had already approached the IPU with allegations that painted the Nigerian legislative body in a negative light. He accused her of seeking international sympathy rather than engaging in due process within the Senate.

In response, the Nigerian Senate formally wrote to the IPU to clarify the circumstances surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension. The Senate leadership asserted that her suspension was solely based on gross misconduct, indiscipline, and defiance of chamber rules—not because of her sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio, as she reportedly told the IPU.

Senate President Akpabio Praises Lawmakers for Defending Nigeria’s Reputation

While condemning Akpoti-Uduaghan’s international appeal, Akpabio commended Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, for stepping forward to correct the misinformation. He acknowledged Ogbara’s effort in explaining to international bodies that the Nigerian Senate remains committed to fairness, discipline, and adherence to legislative protocols.

Senate President Akpabio stressed that it was imperative for Nigerian lawmakers to stand against external interference and resist attempts by any senator to seek undue influence outside of constitutional provisions. He warned that attempting to discredit Nigeria’s Senate on foreign platforms could set a dangerous precedent for future disputes within the legislature.

IPU Cannot Summon Akpabio, Senate Declares

Following reports that the IPU was considering summoning Akpabio over Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations, his spokesperson, Eseme Eyiboh, dismissed the claims as baseless. Eyiboh stated that the IPU has no legal authority to compel Akpabio to appear before it, as the issue remains an internal matter of the Nigerian National Assembly.

According to Eyiboh, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition to the IPU was a deliberate attempt to discredit Akpabio and create unnecessary international tension. He further emphasized that the Nigerian Senate would not allow external organizations to meddle in its affairs, as doing so could compromise the sovereignty of Nigeria’s legislative processes.

Senate Calls for Media Responsibility and Institutional Respect

As the controversy continues, Senate President Akpabio has urged Nigerian media outlets to exercise caution in their coverage of Senate affairs. He warned against promoting sensationalized narratives that distort the facts and create unnecessary public unrest. According to Akpabio, the media must verify claims before amplifying them, ensuring that national institutions are not unfairly discredited.

Furthermore, the Senate President called on lawmakers to respect the rules and procedures of the legislative chamber. He emphasized that disciplinary actions, such as suspensions, are not targeted attacks but necessary measures to maintain order, integrity, and the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

A Deepening Political Rift

The ongoing dispute between Senate President Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan highlights deeper tensions within the Nigerian Senate. While Akpabio insists that her suspension was justified due to misconduct, Akpoti-Uduaghan maintains that she is being persecuted for raising allegations against the Senate leadership.

As this political battle unfolds, it raises crucial questions about the balance between legislative discipline, free speech, and accountability. Will Akpoti-Uduaghan’s international appeal put more pressure on the Senate, or will Akpabio’s firm stance reinforce institutional authority? Only time will tell how this power struggle reshapes Nigeria’s legislative landscape.