The suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has sparked nationwide outrage, with prominent voices condemning it as a blatant abuse of power and an attack on democracy.
Atedo Peterside, founder of Anap Foundation and Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, denounced the Senate’s six-month suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling it unconstitutional and disrespectful to her constituents. Taking to social media on Sunday, he slammed the Senate leadership for what he described as a disturbing and reckless decision.
“The Senate must be aware that her suspension is ultra vires and a direct insult to the people of Kogi Central, but they simply don’t care,” Peterside declared, expressing his solidarity with the embattled lawmaker.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, which came on March 6, 2025, follows her explosive allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The Kogi senator accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office after a heated dispute over seat arrangements in the Senate chamber on February 20.
Akpabio has denied the allegations, but the controversy escalated when Akpoti-Uduaghan fired back with a staggering N100 billion defamation lawsuit against him. Rather than addressing the allegations, the Akpabio-led Senate moved to silence her, referring her case to the disciplinary committee before ultimately suspending her.
The embattled senator, refusing to back down, secured a Federal High Court injunction in Abuja preventing the Senate from proceeding with its disciplinary actions. The legal battle continues, with the case set for hearing on March 10, 2025.
The suspension has ignited widespread debates about political persecution, power abuse, and gender dynamics in Nigeria’s legislature, with critics warning that the move sets a dangerous precedent for silencing dissenting voices.
