Senate President Godswill Akpabio has accused Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of misrepresenting facts and the Senate’s position on the international stage.
Recently suspended for six months due to violations of Senate regulations, Akpoti-Uduaghan raised her concerns at the United Nations Inter-parliamentary conference in New York on Tuesday, alleging victimization, sexual harassment, and abuse of power by Akpabio.
During a Senate plenary session on Thursday, Akpabio condemned the Kogi senator for attempting to discredit the Senate by sharing a misleading account with the global community.
He acknowledged the intervention of fellow lawmaker Kafilat Ogbara, who warned foreign media that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s portrayal of events did not align with the actual proceedings of the Senate.
Akpabio stated, “I recognize that she has distorted the facts and taken this matter global, thereby embarrassing the Senate with a false narrative. I am grateful to Hon. Kafilat for clarifying to the international media that her account was entirely different from the truth.”
Furthermore, the Senate President remarked, “She initially brought the issue to the Senate through a petition but did not allow us to investigate it. Instead, she pursued legal action and subsequently took it to the international arena. Such actions may deter politicians from appointing women to significant roles.”
After receiving a vote of confidence from his peers, Akpabio urged senators to concentrate on their legislative duties and to avoid distractions that could hinder the Senate’s work.
“I appreciate this vote of confidence. Let us remain focused and steer clear of unnecessary distractions,” he concluded.
