Natasha

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Security agents, including police officers and personnel from other agencies, on Tuesday prevented Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from entering the National Assembly premises.

The senator, who represents Kogi Central, arrived at the gate in a black SUV. However, she was denied entry by security operatives who had barricaded the entrance.

Her supporters were also seen engaging in a heated exchange with the officers at the scene.

This incident occurred hours after reports emerged that Senator Natasha was planning to resume plenary, citing a court ruling as justification for her return.

Earlier in the day, SaharaReporters had reported a strong security presence around the National Assembly, with several security vehicles stationed at key entry points.

Operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were deployed to guard the complex.

Despite a recent ruling by the Federal High Court that declared her suspension unconstitutional, the Senate leadership has maintained that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan remains suspended.

The lawmaker had been suspended in March 2025.Over the weekend, the embattled senator declared her intention to resume legislative activities.

“I have pretty much two months more before the six months expire. However, I have written to the Senate again telling them that I’m resuming on the 22nd, which is on Tuesday, by the special grace of God,” she said during a constituency training event.

“I will be there, because the court did decide on that. Now, they argue that it’s an order, it’s not an order, but it is a decision,” she added.

Her lawyer, West Idahosa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, backed her position.

He argued that the judgment provided enough legal grounds for her return to the red chamber.

“Let me be honest with you. Attendance is a legislative action. As far as we are concerned, we are focused on the appeal and other issues before the court. I think the decision to go back to the Senate will be determined by the constituents,” Idahosa said.

He continued: “The suspension was overreaching the provisions of the constitution. I mean, that was clearly stated there. When you say that the plaintiff should go back, you mean that she should go back to work. I think that is more or less an order… She is still a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

However, the Senate leadership has taken a different view. In a letter dated July 14 and addressed to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Michael Jonathan Numa (SAN), the National Assembly asserted that the court did not issue any binding directive on the Senate to recall her.

The letter, signed by Charles Yoila, Director of Litigation and Counselling for the Clerk to the National Assembly, stated that the judgment merely “advised” the Senate to consider allowing her return.

Despite the resistance at the gate, Senator Natasha was later seen trekking into the complex, a video of which was shared online.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a biting and satirical letter that has quickly ignited debate across Nigeria’s political landscape, Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan has issued a mock apology to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him—without directly naming him—of promoting a culture of entitlement, favoritism, and personal gratification within the National Assembly.

The letter, which begins with exaggerated expressions of “theatrical regret,” ridicules what the senator describes as a system where “legislative success… is apparently not earned through merit, but through the ancient art of compliance — of the very personal kind.”

Her words appear to take aim at alleged improper advances and a patriarchal power structure within the Senate.

“I must apologize for prioritizing competence over capitulation, vision over vanity, and the people’s mandate over private dinners behind closed doors,” she wrote, drawing sharp applause from supporters online and condemnation from some quarters within the political class.

In her sarcastic reflection on the consequences of her so-called defiance, she writes of “egos so large they require their own postcodes,” and ends the letter with a searing line: “Please find it in your magnanimous heart — somewhere buried deep beneath layers of entitlement — to forgive this stubborn woman who mistakenly believed that her seat in the Senate was earned through elections, not erections.”

The statement, signed “Unafraid, Unbought, and Unbroken,” has been widely interpreted as a challenge to misogyny in Nigeria’s political system, with many calling it a rare act of public defiance against powerful male figures in government.

No official response has yet been issued by the office of Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the time of this report.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kogi State Police Command has called on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduagan to shelve her planned Sallah rally in the Central Senatorial District, citing security threats and a state government ban on political gatherings.

Commissioner of Police Miller Dantawaye, in a statement by Police Spokesman ASP William Aya on Tuesday, warned that intelligence reports indicated possible hijacking of the event by hoodlums, risking public peace.

“The Command advises the organizers to cancel the rally to avoid a breakdown of law and order,” the statement read, emphasizing that violators would face legal consequences.

Despite the ban, Akpoti-Uduagan maintains her “homecoming” is a non-political visit to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with constituents.

By Fatimah Yusuf Usman

The political exclusion of women in Nigeria has once again come to the fore with the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Her alleged offense? Speaking up. Her punishment?

A swift and harsh six-month expulsion from the Senate, her office sealed, salary cut off, and access to the National Assembly revoked. Her ordeal began when she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, an allegation that was neither investigated nor given a fair hearing.

Instead, the Senate’s Ethics Committee moved with unusual speed to shut her out. This raises an urgent question. Is there space for women in Nigerian politics beyond tokenism, or must they submit and endure injustice to survive?

Sexual harassment remains a global crisis, yet many societies, including Nigeria, prefer to sweep it under the carpet. Worldwide, one in three women, about 736 million, has experienced physical and or sexual violence.

But when victims muster the courage to speak up, they are often met with disbelief, scrutiny, or punishment. Natasha’s case is no different. Rather than handling the matter with fairness and transparency, the Senate wasted no time in punishing her.

A six-month suspension without pay seems less like a disciplinary measure and more like a warning to women in politics. Know your place or face the consequences. If this can happen at the highest levels of government, what hope is there for the ordinary Nigerian woman facing harassment in her workplace, school, or community?

Women in Nigeria’s political space face a glass ceiling reinforced with steel. Out of 109 senators, only a handful are women, a stark reminder of the gender imbalance that continues to define governance in the country.

And when women like Natasha refuse to conform to the unwritten rules of submission, the system moves to silence them. But even as she was escorted out of the Senate chambers, Natasha refused to be broken.

“This injustice will not be sustained,” she declared. Her words are a rallying cry, not just for herself, but for every woman who has been silenced, sidelined, or denied justice. The idea that politics is a “man’s world” must be dismantled.

Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy while women’s voices are suppressed. Gender equity in governance is not a privilege. It is a right. The Senate’s handling of this case has only reinforced the perception that powerful men can get away with anything while women who dare to challenge them are punished.

If Natasha’s case has taught us anything, it is that the struggle for women’s political inclusion is far from over. But if we do not confront this now, when will we? How long will women continue to be punished for demanding dignity, fairness, and equal representation?

This is no longer just about Natasha. It is about every woman who has been ignored, intimidated, or denied justice. If we allow this injustice to stand, we send a dangerous message that a woman’s voice does not matter. But we refuse to accept that.

We stand with Natasha. We stand with every woman who has been silenced. And we demand justice, not just for her, but for all of us.

Fatimah Yusuf Usman is a Corps Member serving at PRNigeria Centre, Abuja. can be reached via: fatimahborkono@gmail.com

By Anas Abbas

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, submitted a petition to the Senate alleging sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The submission took place on the Senate floor after Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously discussed the allegations on Arise TV.

Senate President Akpabio allowed the petition to be presented and subsequently directed that it be forwarded to the committee on code of conduct, ethics, and public petitions for further review.

“This petition is hereby referred to the committee on code of conduct, ethics and public petitions, which should revert to the Senate as soon as practicable,” he stated.

However, the move was met with resistance from Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno, who raised objections on the grounds that the issue was already under judicial consideration.

Citing Order 40, Rule 7 of the Senate rules, he argued that the Senate should not engage in matters currently pending in court.In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan clarified that the ongoing court case involved a defamation suit against Patrick Mfon, a special assistant to the Senate President, who had accused her of inappropriate attire in the Senate.

“This matter is not in court regarding my petition. The case in court is solely about defamation,” she asserted.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also opposed the petition’s acceptance, labeling it inadmissible.

“We cannot relax our rules. This petition cannot stand. It is in court. It is defective. There is no way we can accept this petition,” he declared before calling for a closed session.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Ebira People’s Association (EPA) has expressed its full support for Senator Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, while urging the Nigerian Senate to prevent any form of intimidation or harassment within the legislative chamber.

In a statement issued on Friday, the National President of EPA, Dr. Oyibo Godwin, condemned recent developments in the Senate, including Senator Natasha’s removal as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content and the sudden relocation of her seating position.

Dr. Godwin described these actions as politically motivated and deliberate, sparking widespread reactions on social media and traditional news platforms.

“We have closely followed the events in the Senate, from the ‘nightclub’ comment saga to Senator Natasha’s removal from her committee and the abrupt change of her seating position. These actions clearly indicate a targeted and unjust treatment,” the statement read.

The association emphasized that while it had previously refrained from commenting on the matter, it believed the Senate would resolve internal issues fairly and ensure the rights of all senators, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or political affiliation.

However, EPA expressed concern over the involvement of certain ethnic groups in the controversy, stating that this has compelled the people of Kogi Central to respond.

“We are closely monitoring any steps the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges may take. We continue to gather all relevant information and will respond appropriately at the right time,” the statement added.

The association reiterated its unwavering support for Senator Natasha, praising her for carrying out her legislative duties competently and vowing not to allow her to be victimized or punished for any ulterior motives.

“Senator Natasha has demonstrated excellence in her role, and we will not stand by while she is unfairly targeted or marginalized,” the statement concluded.

The EPA’s statement comes amid growing tensions in the Senate, with calls for transparency and fairness in the treatment of lawmakers.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has leveled serious accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation for rejecting his advances.

In an interview on Friday, the lawmaker claimed that Akpabio had punished her for refusing his sexual advances.

She further stated that she has evidence to support her allegations.

The controversy between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio escalated after the Kogi Senator discovered that her seat in the Senate had been changed without her consent.

This led to a heated argument between the two, resulting in Akpoti-Uduaghan being referred to the Senate’s Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for a disciplinary review.

The committee, headed by Senator Neda Imaseun (LP, Edo South), was tasked with reporting back within two weeks.

In a dramatic twist, Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a N100.3 billion fundamental human rights suit against Akpabio.

During her interview, the senator also revealed that her husband is a witness to the events and has provided support to her claims.

These accusations have further fueled tensions within the Senate as many social media users in Nigeria have been debating about the issue.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigerian Senate has criticized Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, for her remarks about the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, regarding seat allocations.

On Thursday, Akpoti-Uduaghan refused to accept the new seat assigned to her, citing her right to protection under the Senate’s Rule 10.

The dispute arose after her seat was changed following the defection of some opposition senators to the ruling party.

However, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan rejected the move and accused the Senate leadership of attempting to silence her.

“I have no problem if they take away my right to speak. I am not afraid of you. You are denying me my rights,” she said, addressing the Senate President.

As tensions escalated, Akpabio ordered security personnel to remove her from the Senate chamber, but some senators intervened to de-escalate the situation.

Reacting to the incident in an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu said that the National Assembly is not a place for entertainment.

“What we are saying is that the National Assembly is not a place for creating entertainment or play. It is a place for serious legislative work,” he stated.

Regarding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusation of rights infringement, Adaramodu explained that, despite being a new senator, she had been assigned significant leadership roles in the Senate.

“If she is claiming that her rights are being denied or that she’s being prevented from speaking, as a new senator, she has been given three major committee leadership roles. Every senator is entitled to lead one committee, but she is now leading foreign affairs and NGOs,” he added.

The Senate spokesman further mentioned that the matter would not be revisited, as Senator Isah Jubril from Kogi had apologized on behalf of Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“The Senate has fully accepted this apology, and so the matter will not be reopened,” he said.

By Anwar Usman

Tensions flare-up in the Senate on Thursday after Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan exchange words with the leadership over a seating arrangement dispute.

The issue started when Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat was reassigned following a reshuffle prompted by opposition members moving to the majority wing which she refused to abide by.

The Chief Whip of the house, Senator Tahir Monguno, explained the Senate rules to justify the change, and stated that seat adjustments were under the authority of the Senate President.

He also warned that non-compliance could lead to penalties, including exclusion from Senate debates.

The president of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio supports Monguno’s order and denied Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan the floor when she attempted to speak from her old seat.

In response to that, the Kogi lawmaker raised her voice, accusing the leadership of trying to silence her.

She stated that “I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege”.

The standoff intensified when the Senate President directed the sergeant-at-arms to remove her.

However, with the help of some lawmakers calmness was restored, although Akpoti-Uduaghan stand firm in her refusal to move.