LAGOS—Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has voiced concerns that the ongoing political developments in Rivers State and the Senate’s handling of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio could threaten the stability of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. He warned that similar events in the past led to the downfall of Nigeria’s First and Second Republics. George, speaking in Lagos, criticized the Nigerian government for what he termed as unconstitutional actions, including the controversial voice vote used to approve President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers. He also condemned efforts to recall Natasha from the Senate, calling the situation shameful and indicative of deeper flaws in Nigeria’s democracy. In his remarks, George drew parallels to past political crises, stating, “Today, we are seeing the same mistakes that led to the collapse of our earlier republics, now being repeated by the APC-led government. The unconstitutional decisions, including the handling of the Rivers State crisis and the treatment of Natasha, are not just harmful to Nigeria’s democratic institutions, but they also bring international disgrace.” He further criticized the deployment of security forces to protect a deposed speaker in Lagos while security was withdrawn from the elected speaker, and the National Assembly’s rubber-stamp approval of the state of emergency in Rivers without the required two-thirds majority. Manipulation of Political Processes One of the most contentious issues raised by George was the Senate’s handling of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Natasha’s allegations have sparked a political battle, with George accusing the Senate of partisan misconduct, further eroding public trust. He pointed out the lack of an independent investigation into Natasha’s claims, instead opting for punitive actions against her, including her suspension. “There is a serious risk that these actions are part of a political conspiracy to recall Natasha using the machinery of state. The attempt to manipulate the political process, such as the unsubstantiated gathering of signatures at the INEC office, is a gross injustice,” George said. He also warned that such actions signal a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s future. “This is not democracy, it’s a clear case of manipulation. We are heading toward a very dangerous path,” George added, referring to the government’s interference in the Kogi State and Bayelsa State political situations. Global Embarrassment and Growing Tensions While George condemned these actions as threats to Nigeria’s democracy, he also emphasized the international embarrassment caused by these moves. The global community has been closely watching Nigeria’s political developments, with criticism coming from various quarters, including from notable figures like Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who recently warned that democracy in Nigeria was under threat. Looking ahead, George expressed his concern that these tensions could escalate as the 2027 elections approach. He warned that, with rising insecurity, corruption, and economic challenges, the government’s focus should be on resolving these issues rather than engaging in political conflicts. Conclusion: A Call for Accountability and Transparency George concluded his statements with a call for accountability and transparency in the country’s political system, urging the government to respect democratic norms and uphold the integrity of the electoral process. He also called on Nigerians to resist attempts to manipulate the democratic process, stressing that the country’s future depends on the actions taken today. For more information on the political climate in Nigeria and the challenges facing its democracy, you can read this insightful article from The Guardian on the state of Nigerian democracy here. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the suspended representative of Kogi Central, has taken her case to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Meeting at the United Nations (UN) in New York, seeking global intervention over what she describes as political oppression and gender-based discrimination in Nigeria. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Appeal at the UN During the Women in Parliament Session at the IPU meeting, Senator Natasha urged international democratic bodies to intervene in her suspension from the Nigerian Senate. She alleged that the decision to suspend her was unlawful and politically motivated, aimed at silencing her advocacy for justice and gender equality. Background of Natasha’s Suspension Senator Natasha’s suspension followed a contentious exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and filed a formal petition, hoping for an unbiased investigation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petition. Instead, she was suspended for six months, stripped of her official privileges, and barred from legislative activities both locally and internationally. A video obtained by Vanguard shows Natasha in tears while presenting her case at the global forum. She expressed fears for her safety, alleging that there were attempts to detain her in New York for speaking out. Political and Gender Implications Her suspension has sparked widespread debate in Nigeria, with many questioning the fairness of the disciplinary action. The senator emphasized that her case highlights the broader issue of women’s marginalization in Nigerian politics. Speaking passionately at the UN, she stated:“This is a bigger picture; it depicts the crisis of women in political representation. My suspension is not just about me—it is about systemic exclusion, suppression of dissent, and punishment for standing against corruption and gender-based violence.” International Response and Calls for Justice Senator Natasha called on global institutions to hold Nigeria’s leadership accountable for protecting women in politics. She argued that her suspension undermines democracy, as it silences the voices of her constituents who elected her to represent them. “If a female senator can be treated this way in the full view of the world, imagine what ordinary Nigerian women go through daily in workplaces and universities.” By taking her case to the UN and the IPU, Natasha aims to amplify her fight against political victimization and demand justice not just for herself, but for all women facing discrimination in governance. Inter-Parliamentary Union READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to immediately lift the unlawful suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. According to SERAP, the suspension violates her fundamental right to freedom of expression, which is protected under both Nigerian law and international human rights standards. SERAP Condemns the Suspension as Unjust and Illegal The Senate recently imposed a six-month suspension on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, barring her from receiving her salary and allowances while preventing her from representing herself as a senator. The decision followed allegations that she spoke without permission and refused to accept a newly assigned seat in the chamber. In a formal letter dated March 8, 2025, and signed by SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization insisted that “No senator should face punitive measures for merely exercising their right to speak.” The letter further emphasized that the Nigerian Senate should uphold the rule of law, not suppress fundamental rights. Legal and Human Rights Implications of the Suspension SERAP highlighted that the punishment meted out to Akpoti-Uduaghan is unlawful, unnecessary, and disproportionate. The organization warned that such actions create a chilling effect, discouraging other lawmakers from freely expressing their views, thereby undermining democratic principles. According to SERAP, the suspension contravenes Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression. Additionally, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Article 9) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Article 19) both protect individuals’ right to receive and disseminate information without interference. SERAP Issues 48-Hour Ultimatum to Senate Leadership SERAP urged the Senate to reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan and revise its internal rules to ensure they align with human rights norms. The letter warned that failure to comply within 48 hours would prompt SERAP to take legal action to enforce compliance in the public interest. The organization also cited the African Charter’s Article 13, which states that citizens must be able to participate in government through freely chosen representatives. By suspending Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Senate has effectively silenced the voices of her constituents in Kogi Central, violating their right to political participation. Senate’s Justification for Suspension Under Scrutiny Reports indicate that Akpoti-Uduaghan was accused of “persistent misconduct, disregard for Senate Standing Orders 2023, and gross indiscipline.” The Senate further claimed she repeatedly spoke without recognition and refused to adhere to seating arrangements during plenary on February 25, 2025. However, SERAP argues that these reasons are mere pretexts for suppressing her right to free speech. The organization reiterated that legislative decorum should not come at the expense of fundamental freedoms. Call for Legislative Reform and Protection of Free Speech SERAP urged the Nigerian Senate to amend its rules to prevent similar cases of suppression in the future. The organization stressed that any restrictions on free speech must be legal, necessary, and proportionate. As a democratic institution, the Senate must set an example by fostering open debates and protecting lawmakers’ rights rather than restricting them. The suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan not only violates her personal rights but also obstructs Nigerians’ access to information and political participation. For more insights on human rights and democratic governance, visit Amnesty International. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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Senate Rules Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Petition Procedurally Invalid Abuja – The Nigerian Senate has officially dismissed a petition submitted by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in which she alleged misconduct. The Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), declared the petition invalid due to procedural errors and legal constraints. During the probe session on Wednesday, Senator Imasuen stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition was “dead on arrival” as it failed to comply with Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders. He explained that the senator personally signed the document rather than having it endorsed by another party, which rendered it procedurally flawed. Additionally, he emphasized that the allegations contained in the petition were already being addressed in court, making them sub judice and beyond the Senate’s purview. Despite being scheduled to appear before the committee at 2:00 PM, Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to attend the session, which eventually commenced at 2:58 PM. Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), who was also expected at the meeting, arrived late but was present when the deliberations began. The petition stemmed from an earlier plenary session incident involving Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio. Following the incident, the matter was referred to the Senate Ethics Committee for a detailed review. The committee was mandated to conduct a thorough investigation and present its findings within two weeks. Senator Adaramodu highlighted that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public dispute with the Senate President, particularly regarding seat allocation, had adversely impacted the Senate’s image. He further referenced an interview she granted on Brekete Family via Human Rights Radio and TV, where she restated her claims against Akpabio. Following these deliberations, the Senate reaffirmed its decision to reject the petition based on the procedural violations and legal restrictions surrounding the case. For further updates on Nigerian legislative affairs, visit Premium Times and stay informed about developments in the National Assembly. Premium Times – Nigerian Legislative Updates READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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…Petition Declared Invalid as Senator Fails to Appear Before Ethics Committee Abuja – The Nigerian Senate has ruled against a petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, dismissing the allegations of sexual harassment due to procedural flaws. During a Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions hearing on Wednesday, Chairman Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South) declared the petition null and void. He cited a violation of Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders, noting that Akpoti-Uduaghan personally signed the petition rather than securing an endorsement from a third party, which rendered it procedurally defective. Furthermore, Imasuen pointed out that the matters raised in the petition were already subject to court proceedings, making them sub judice and beyond the committee’s jurisdiction. Despite being scheduled to appear before the committee, Akpoti-Uduaghan was absent at the designated session. The hearing, set for 2:00 PM, commenced at 2:58 PM when the chairman arrived after waiting for both Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South). While Adaramodu arrived at 2:50 PM, Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to attend the meeting. The petition initially reached the Ethics Committee two weeks earlier following a plenary session incident involving Akpoti-Uduaghan. In response, Senate President Akpabio directed the committee to investigate the matter and submit findings within two weeks. During Senate discussions, Adaramodu highlighted that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public confrontation with the Senate President over seat allocation had negatively impacted the legislative body’s reputation. He also referenced her interview with Brekete Family on Human Rights Radio and TV, where she reiterated the allegations against Akpabio. Following these deliberations, the Senate upheld the Ethics Committee’s recommendation, officially discarding the petition as invalid. Senate Rules and Ethics Guidelines READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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Abuja – The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), has stated that there is currently no formal petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio concerning allegations of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Speaking on Arise TV’s Morning Show, monitored in Abuja, Adaramodu dismissed the accusations as baseless, emphasizing that all senators, including Akpoti-Uduaghan, must adhere to the rules governing Senate proceedings. Senate Affairs Are Not Governed by Media Trends Adaramodu clarified that the Senate, as an institution, does not react to media speculations or issues raised on television programs and social media platforms. He reiterated that legislative matters are conducted strictly within the Senate or the House of Representatives, and any serious allegation must be submitted as a formal petition before it can be considered. “The Senate does not operate based on trending topics on social media. For an issue to be investigated, there must be a formal complaint or petition brought before the Senate,” Adaramodu explained. “As of now, there is no formal case against the Senate President. The only issue at hand pertains to Senator Natasha’s non-compliance with the Senate’s standing orders.” Senate Rules Must Be Followed Addressing the controversy surrounding seating arrangements, which triggered the dispute, Adaramodu stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan must abide by Senate rules. He cited Order 6 of the Senate’s standing orders, which grants the Senate President the authority to allocate seats to lawmakers. According to him, all senators are expected to speak from their designated seats, and any violation of this rule disrupts order in the chamber. He further argued that if a senator follows due process in raising a point of order, no Senate President would deny them the right to speak. He dismissed claims that the Senate President could intimidate his colleagues by denying them recognition, emphasizing that the Senate President remains one among equals. Senate Rejects Calls for External Investigation The Senate also rejected the call made by former Senate President Bukola Saraki, urging Akpabio to submit himself for an independent investigation. Lawmakers aligned with Akpabio dismissed the request, asserting that the issue does not warrant an external probe. Meanwhile, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been summoned to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions to address concerns regarding her conduct during plenary last week. Nigeria’s National Assembly Website READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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The Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, has strongly denied the sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Allegation Against Akpabio Senator Natasha, representing Kogi Central, recently accused Senate President Akpabio of making inappropriate advances towards her. She claimed that during a visit to Akpabio’s residence in Ikot-Ekpene to celebrate his birthday in December 2023, he allegedly requested an intimate relationship while showing her around his home. Appearing on Arise TV’s The Morning Show on February 28, 2025, Natasha stated that the Senate President repeated the request when she visited his office to discuss her motion regarding Ajaokuta Steel Company. Senator Nwaebonyi Dismisses Harassment Claim However, Senator Nwaebonyi has dismissed the claim, asserting that Akpabio never harassed or even came close to Senator Natasha during the birthday event. Speaking on Arise TV on March 3, 2025, Nwaebonyi stated that he was present at the celebration and witnessed the entire event. “On the issue of sexual harassment as alleged by Senator Natasha, I was an eyewitness, and I have narrated the real events on social media. On December 8, 2023, I was among the Senators who attended the birthday celebration of the Senate President,” he said. He further detailed that he traveled in the same vehicle with Senator Natasha and her husband to the event, attending various activities with Akpabio within Uyo before proceeding to Ikot-Ekpene. Natasha Was Never Alone With Akpabio – Nwaebonyi Nwaebonyi emphasized that Natasha never accompanied her colleagues on a tour of Akpabio’s residence, as she stayed back in the sitting area with her husband. “I must state clearly that Senator Natasha never joined us when the Senate President was showing us around. She was in the parlour with her husband, while Akpabio took us through different sections of his home, including a chapel where Catholic senators joined in a Holy Mass,” he added. He firmly refuted Natasha’s claim that Akpabio invited her to “have a good time” at his house, stating, “There was never a time the Senate President touched Senator Natasha or made any such comment. She knows that very well.” Motive Behind Natasha’s Allegation According to Nwaebonyi, Senator Natasha’s claim stemmed from her dissatisfaction with a recent decision to relocate her seat in the Senate and make changes to her committee assignment. “It is shocking and unfortunate for a Senator to fabricate such a serious allegation simply because of a seat reassignment or committee change,” he remarked. When asked about the Senate’s response to the matter, Nwaebonyi clarified that the Senate would not act on unverified accusations. “The Senate cannot take action based on hearsay. Senator Natasha has never officially presented any issue regarding this matter,” he concluded. Conclusion The allegation made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio remains unproven, with key witnesses denying any inappropriate conduct. As the controversy continues, it remains to be seen whether further evidence will emerge or if the matter will be pursued in any formal capacity. Read more on Nigerian Senate affairs READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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ABUJA – Federal lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has filed a defamation lawsuit amounting to N100.3 billion against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The case, lodged at the Federal Capital Territory High Court (FCT), Abuja, stems from allegations of reputational damage caused by a social media post. According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, Akpabio published a defamatory post on Facebook through his aide, Mfon Patrick, titled: “Is Local Content Committee of the Senate Natasha’s Birthright?” The post allegedly ridiculed her, suggesting she misunderstood legislative duties, emphasizing superficial appearance rather than governance. The lawsuit, referenced as CV/737/25, also names Mfon Patrick, identified as Akpabio’s Senior Legislative Aide, as a co-defendant. Akpoti-Uduaghan asserts that the publication tarnished her reputation, portraying her in a derogatory manner that undermined her credibility among colleagues and the public. Legal Demands and Court Reliefs Through her legal representative, Mr. Victor Giwa, Akpoti-Uduaghan has requested the court to: Background and Context This lawsuit follows a prior confrontation between Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate President over the unauthorized reassignment of her seat in the Senate. Reports indicate that the seat adjustment occurred due to the defection of opposition lawmakers to the ruling party. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s protest against this move escalated, leading Akpabio to instruct security personnel to escort her out of the legislative chamber, a decision that sparked widespread public debate. Conclusion As of now, the court has yet to set a hearing date for the case. The unfolding legal battle highlights ongoing political tensions within the Senate, drawing national attention. Reputable News Source READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
