Opposition senators, led by Seriake Dickson, visited suspended Kogi Central senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, assuring her of support and a swift resolution. Dickson, absent during her suspension, pledged to engage Senate leadership. The visit follows backlash over her suspension and allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
A group of opposition senators, led by former Bayelsa governor Seriake Dickson, visited suspended Kogi Central senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at her residence on Friday. The visit comes amid growing controversy over her six-month suspension, which has drawn criticism from civil society groups and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Dickson, who serves on the Senate Ethics and Privileges Committee that recommended Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, clarified that he was absent from the session due to prior commitments related to tax reform legislation. He expressed surprise at the emergency seating that led to her suspension and vowed to engage with Senate leadership for a resolution.
During the visit, the senators offered words of support and prayers for Akpoti-Uduaghan, emphasizing the tradition of lawmakers standing by their colleagues in difficult times. Dickson noted that after hearing her perspective for the first time, he would consult with fellow senators on possible intervention strategies.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, which followed a dispute over a change in her seating arrangement, escalated after she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of harassment. The controversy has fueled widespread debate, with women’s rights groups and opposition figures condemning the Senate's decision. The PDP described her suspension as an attempt to suppress accountability, calling for an immediate review of the case.
The visit by opposition senators signals growing political pressure for a reconsideration of the decision, as discussions continue on how to resolve the crisis surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.
