Senate President Godswill Akpabio accuses Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of distorting facts at a UN conference, alleging she misled the international community about her Senate suspension. He warns such actions could harm women's political representation. Akpabio urges lawmakers to stay focused, following a vote of confidence from fellow senators.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has accused Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of misrepresenting facts and tarnishing Nigeria’s image at an international parliamentary conference in New York.
Speaking during Thursday’s Senate plenary, Akpabio criticized the Kogi Central senator for allegedly presenting a false narrative to the global community. He claimed that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s statements at the United Nations event suggested she was suspended from the Senate due to her allegations of sexual harassment against him—an assertion he strongly denied.
“I am aware that she distorted the facts and globalized the issue, casting the Senate in a negative light. Fortunately, Hon. Kafilat clarified the matter before the international media, countering the misleading claims,” Akpabio stated.
He further alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan bypassed due process by taking her claims directly to court and later to an international audience without allowing the Senate to properly address her petition. The Senate President warned that such actions could discourage the appointment of women to key political roles.
Akpabio made these remarks shortly after receiving a vote of confidence from fellow lawmakers, urging his colleagues to remain focused on their legislative duties.
“I appreciate the overwhelming support of my colleagues. Let us not be distracted by unnecessary controversies,” he added. The controversy has sparked discussions on political accountability and the role of international platforms in addressing internal legislative disputes. Meanwhile, reactions continue to pour in, with some observers calling for transparency in the Senate’s handling of such sensitive matters.
