Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has launched a scathing criticism of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of turning the National Assembly into a dictatorship and treating her as though she were his “domestic staff.”
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan made the remarks shortly after resuming duties in her office, which had been sealed for six months following her controversial suspension by Senate leadership.
Her return to Room 205 of the Senate Wing was made possible after security personnel and the Sergeant-at-Arms formally reopened the office. Describing the past months as a test of resilience, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she remained committed to fighting injustice.
“It’s incredible what we’ve had to endure and survive over the past six months,” she said. “Everything played out in full view of Nigerians—from the unjust suspension to the recall process. We faced blocked roads and waterways into Kogi State and had to resort to flying in by helicopter. We even withstood a smear campaign from a so-called Facebook activist. Through it all, we survived.”
Suspended in March 2025 under controversial circumstances, the senator thanked her constituents for their unwavering support.
“I give glory to God Almighty and express my deepest gratitude to the good people of Kogi Central, Kogi State, and Nigerians at large,” she said emotionally. “To my husband—my love—if you see this, I love you dearly. May all men support their wives the way you’ve supported me. And to my children—thank you for your sacrifices.”
Calling her suspension “illegal and unjust,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said her return to office underscores the importance of holding institutions accountable.
“Sometimes, institutions must be tested,” she said. “We must not bow to injustice. No one is more Nigerian than the other. Senator Akpabio is not more of a senator than I am. He’s not the governor of the National Assembly. Yet, he treated me as though I were a servant or a domestic staff in his household. It’s deeply unfortunate that in this era of democracy, the National Assembly could be subjected to such autocratic control. It’s completely unacceptable.”
Despite being shut out of plenary sessions, Akpoti-Uduaghan stressed that she continued working behind the scenes to serve her constituents.
“I’m glad to be back,” she said. “Even during my suspension, I never wavered in my commitment to the people of Kogi Central. Every day, I sought ways to bring infrastructure and projects to my constituency.”
While her legal team warned of possible contempt proceedings against the Senate, the Clerk maintained that the matter remained before the Court of Appeal.
Now back in office and with pointed criticism directed at the Senate President, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return is expected to rekindle tensions within the chamber—where Akpabio’s leadership has long been accused of intolerance and heavy-handedness by internal critics.
