The Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders has distanced the people of zone from the recent controversy involving Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
The group, in a statement by its convener, AbdulRaheem Adeku, tendered an unreserved apology to Akpabio, emphasizing that the ongoing exchange between both senators does not reflect the values of the district.
The group recalled the close relationship between Akpabio and Natasha’s husband, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, stating that the Senate President played a significant role in supporting her political journey.
They noted that Natasha, despite being a first-time senator, was made Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, a privilege not extended to many lawmakers.
According to the group, Natasha also benefited from traveling to international events with Akpabio and securing empowerment programs for her constituents.
However, they expressed shock over the ongoing allegations and counter-allegations in the media, particularly since the sexual harassment allegation against the Senate President surfaced.
The statement reads in part, “We regret to note that a matter of simple compliance with Senate rules has degenerated into a vicious attack on the personality of the distinguished Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
“It is on record that at the time, hope was lost for Senator Natasha’s bid to represent her people, but a glimmer of hope was restored through the unwavering support of the Senate President.
“As a people, we are known for showing gratitude, loyalty, and fidelity to friendship. We, therefore, condemn the actions, utterances, and smear campaign of our daughter against the distinguished Senate President.”
The group warned that if Natasha’s actions persist, they might initiate the process of recalling her from the Senate.
“We may be compelled to commence the process of recall if this public abuse of representation continues,” Adeku added.
They also called on the Senate to take appropriate disciplinary action to serve as a deterrent to other lawmakers.
Senator Natasha had in an interview, accused Akpabio of victimizing her after she rejected his sexual advances. She claimed that he obstructed her from presenting a motion regarding the Ajaokuta Steel Industry because she refused to “take good care of him and make him happy. She also alleged that Akpabio denied her certain privileges, including removing her as the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content.
Trouble started when the senate reassigned Natasha to a new seat due to the defection of several lawmakers from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Feeling marginalized, Senator Natasha protested the decision, stating she would not accept the new seat. This led to a heated exchange, during which Akpabio ordered the sergeant-at-arms to remove her from the chamber.
Following this incident, the Senate referred Natasha to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for allegedly violating Senate rules by speaking from a seat not assigned to her. The committee was tasked with reporting back within two weeks.
