Senate President Godswill Akpabio, through his media aide Kenny Okolugbo, has dismissed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims that she was treated like a domestic servant and labelled Akpabio a “dictator” during her suspension, describing the allegations as “untrue.”
Okolugbo highlighted that the Senate passed a bill sponsored by Akpoti-Uduaghan establishing a Federal Medical Centre in Kogi State while she was suspended, questioning her characterization of mistreatment.
He explained that her six-month suspension, effective March 6, 2025, followed the Ethics and Privileges and Public Petitions Committee’s findings, which deemed her conduct “despicable,” and was in full compliance with Senate rules. Attempts to resume prematurely in July were inconsistent with a judicial opinion that only deemed the suspension “excessive,” without ordering reinstatement.
Okolugbo also noted Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accomplishments during her tenure, including her appointment as chairman of the Committee on Local Contents, membership in international parliamentary committees, and the submission of three bills, one of which became law during her suspension.
He reiterated that the Senate adhered to proper procedures and dismissed any suggestion of personal mistreatment by Akpabio as false.
