Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed allegations by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan that she was treated as a “domestic servant” and victimized under his leadership, describing her claims as unfounded.
Natasha, who returned to her seat on Tuesday following months of suspension and court battles, had accused Akpabio of authoritarianism, saying she had “no apology to tender” for standing up to him.
Responding on Channels TV, Akpabio’s media aide, Kenny Okolugbo, defended the Senate’s actions, insisting her suspension was carried out in line with parliamentary procedure.
“Senator Natasha was suspended on 6 March 2025 for gross misconduct after the Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions Committee submitted its report to the Senate. The six-month suspension was consistent with Senate rules,” Okolugbo explained.
He noted that her attempt to resume duties in July was invalid because Justice Binta Nyako’s ruling only declared the suspension excessive but did not order her reinstatement.
Highlighting her achievements, Okolugbo argued that Natasha’s claims of mistreatment were contradicted by the opportunities she enjoyed. “She was inaugurated on November 2, 2023, and by November 20, she was already chairman of the Committee on Local Content. By January 2024, she became a member of the International Public Parliamentary Union and ECOWAS. She sponsored three bills, and while still suspended, her bill establishing the Federal Medical Centre in Kogi was passed into law. How many senators can boast of such impact?” he asked.
Okolugbo stressed that the Senate adhered strictly to its rules and that there was no evidence of personal persecution by Akpabio. He maintained that Natasha’s accusations were politically motivated and did not reflect the privileges she had benefited from since assuming office.
