KEY POINTS

• Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of victimization and abuse of office at a UN conference, prompting Akpabio to deny the claims and accuse her of distorting facts.
• Akpabio criticised Akpoti-Uduaghan for bypassing Senate procedures and taking the matter to international platforms, warning that such actions could discourage the appointment of women to political positions.
• The controversy has ignited debates about gender representation, political accountability, and the use of international forums to address domestic issues, highlighting the tensions within Nigeria’s legislative body.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has accused Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of distorting facts and misrepresenting the Nigerian Senate at the United Nations Inter-parliamentary Conference in New York.

The controversy stems from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and her allegations of victimization and abuse of office.

In a heated Senate plenary on Thursday, Akpabio criticised the Kogi Central Senator for presenting what he termed a “misleading narrative” to the international community. Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended for six months for violating Senate rules, had earlier reported her suspension to the UN conference, accusing Akpabio of “victimization, sexual harassment, and abuse of office.”

Akpabio, visibly displeased, stated, “I am aware that she distorted the facts and globalized the matter, embarrassing the Senate by giving a different narrative.” He commended federal lawmaker Kafilat Ogbara for intervening and cautioning foreign media that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s account was inconsistent with the actual proceedings in the Senate. “I appreciate Hon. Kafilat for clarifying to the international media that what was presented was completely different from the reality,” Akpabio added.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions could discourage women’s political participation, says Akpabio

The Senate President expressed concern that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions could have broader implications for women in politics. “She brought the matter before the Senate through a petition but did not allow us to examine it. Instead, she took it to court and later to the international community,” Akpabio remarked.

According to Channelstv, Akpabio warned that such behaviour could discourage political leaders from appointing women to key positions, emphasizing the need for due process and internal resolution of disputes.

Akpabio’s comments came after he received a vote of confidence from his colleagues, who rallied behind him amid the controversy. He urged senators to remain focused on their legislative duties and avoid distractions. “I thank you for this vote of confidence. Let us stay focused and avoid unnecessary distractions,” he said.

The suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan has sparked a broader debate about gender dynamics and accountability within the Nigerian Senate. Critics argue that the suspension was politically motivated, while supporters of Akpabio maintain that it was a necessary disciplinary measure. The controversy has also drawn attention to the role of international platforms in addressing domestic political disputes.