- ‘Apologize To Senate’ – Akpabio Tells Natasha
- Aide says court never nullified her six-month suspension.
- He warns her actions could harm women’s political credibility
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to apologise for what he described as an attempt to mislead the public over her suspension, insisting the Senate “is not a reality show.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended for six months, had twice attempted to resume plenary, citing a Federal High Court judgment she claimed nullified her suspension.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Akpabio’s aide, Kenny Okolugbo, argued that her decision to approach the Appeal Court contradicts her claims, pointing to Ground 23 of her appeal, which he said confirms the suspension was never explicitly set aside.
“There was no official communication from any court directing her reinstatement,” Okolugbo stated. “Instead, she stormed the National Assembly with cameras and supporters in a staged spectacle. The Senate is not a reality show; you don’t force your way into a constitutionally regulated chamber.”
He explained that if any court had ordered her recall, the Senate would have followed due process, beginning with notification from the Clerk and deliberation by leadership. Okolugbo stressed that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension followed Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution and Standing Orders, adding it was not personal but procedural.
“All she needed to do was apologise publicly, and the suspension would have been lifted,” he said, noting that even the Brekete Family had advised her to apologise. He also revealed that her legislative initiatives, including a bill establishing the Federal Medical Centre in Ihima, progressed during her suspension.
Okolugbo warned that “weaponising gender and distorting the truth” could harm women’s political participation, adding, “Nigeria has only four female senators. Actions like this undermine real struggles and damage credibility.”
