By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
In Nigeria, tensions have risen between two factions following a dispute between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
A group known as the Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders has publicly condemned Akpoti-Uduaghan for her criticisms of Akpabio, which they deem uncharacteristic of the values of Kogi Central.
The group, led by AbdulRaheem Adeku, stated in a letter, “We are known for showing gratitude, loyalty, and fidelity to friendship.
We therefore condemn her utterances and actions against Akpabio, which do not represent us.” They have warned that if these attacks continue, they may begin the process of recalling the senator.
This conflict escalated in the Senate, where Akpoti-Uduaghan presented a petition for an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio.
Akpabio strongly denied the accusations, calling them “a total lie” and urging Nigerians to refrain from hasty judgments, saying, “I urge all Nigerians, particularly the media, to await the court’s decision on the matter.”
However, the Senate Ethics Committee rejected her petition, citing procedural errors, with Chairman Senator Neda Imasuen explaining, “The petition was inadmissible under Order 40(4) of the Senate Rule Book, which stipulates that a senator cannot present a petition signed by themselves.”
As the dispute intensified, supporters of both Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio gathered outside the National Assembly, leading to clashes between the two groups.
While Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters demanded Akpabio’s resignation and a thorough investigation into the allegations, Akpabio’s supporters insisted she retract her accusations.
In a further development, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted an interim injunction, halting any disciplinary action by the Senate Committee against Akpoti-Uduaghan. The case will continue on March 10.
