Founder of Anap Foundation, Atedo Peterside, has strongly criticized the suspension of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, labeling it as disrespectful to her constituents.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Peterside expressed his concern over the Senate’s decision, stating that the action was disturbing and pledging his support for the female lawmaker.
“The most disturbing aspect of the Nigerian Senate hullabaloo around Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is that the Senate leadership must be aware that her suspension for six months is ultra vires and also disrespectful to her constituents in Kogi State, but they don’t care,” he wrote.
The controversy between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan escalated on Thursday when the Senate suspended the Kogi senator. This followed her allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of office against Akpabio after a seat arrangement dispute on February 20, 2025—claims Akpabio has denied.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has since filed a ₦100 billion defamation lawsuit against Akpabio, while the Senate referred her to its disciplinary committee. However, she obtained a Federal High Court order in Abuja preventing the committee from proceeding with disciplinary actions, with the case adjourned to March 10, 2025.
On March 5, 2025, the Senate committee dismissed her sexual harassment and abuse of office petition against Akpabio, citing procedural violations. Undeterred, the senator re-submitted the petition the next day.
This isn’t the first clash between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan. In July 2024, Akpabio publicly apologized to her over a controversial nightclub remark.
The unfolding events continue to spark debate on political power struggles and gender dynamics within Nigeria’s legislative system.
