Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, has accused the Senate leadership of denying her privileges, particularly after a public disagreement with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Speaking in an interview on Brekete Family, a Human Rights Radio and Television program in Abuja on Friday, Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed frustration over what she described as continuous setbacks in her duties as a Senator.
The controversy began during Thursday’s plenary session, when Akpoti-Uduaghan discovered that her allocated seat had been reassigned.
Upon noticing the change, she voiced her concerns, sparking a rowdy exchange with the Senate President.
Refusing to comply with the new seating arrangement, the lawmaker challenged the decision, which led to heightened tensions in the chamber.
While discussing the incident, Akpoti-Uduaghan revealed that the disagreement with Akpabio was not an isolated incident.
She claimed that she had faced numerous obstacles since a previous clash with the Senate President.
The Senator lamented being excluded from several international activities, including a notable United Nations event, due to alleged interference from Senate leadership.
She claimed her name was even removed from the list of nominees for international roles, leaving her unable to participate in key events.
“My attention was drawn that you were actually speaking about the issue on your programme today, so thank you so much for your concern,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.
“I have been going through a lot, and I have remained quiet because I didn’t want to be interpreted wrongly.
“I didn’t want any lawsuit against me. I just wanted to be given the chance to work.”
The Senator continued by saying, “A lot of my privileges have been denied. I have been pulled out of many international activities that I have been part of since that whole nightclub incident that happened last year.
“In fact, there was even a United Nations event that I was supposed to attend, which I was nominated for, but my name was struck out that they would not promote me in any event internationally.
“So every event that I have been going to since last year has been self-sponsored.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan also clarified her actions in the Senate chamber on Thursday, stating, “I didn’t speak out of order. He was reading my suspension, and I had to invoke Order 10, which is an order of privilege.”
The controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate leadership has raised questions about the treatment of female lawmakers and the extent of influence political disagreements can have on a legislator’s opportunities and privileges.
The lawmaker has yet to receive a formal response from Senate leadership regarding her allegations.
