Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has launched a scathing criticism against the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, describing him as the worst to ever lead Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday outside the National Assembly complex, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of running the Senate like his personal domain, likening his leadership style to a “third term governor of Akwa Ibom State.”
The embattled lawmaker, who was poised to resume legislative duties, was reportedly denied entry into the complex. Expressing frustration, she said her earlier outburst on the Senate floor was the result of “numerous wrongs” allegedly inflicted on her by Akpabio.
“That outburst I had on the floor was just a combination of so many wrongs that Akpabio has meted against me,” she stated. “It’s a shame. We’ve had Senate Presidents like Chuba Okadigbo, David Mark, Bukola Saraki, even Ahmed Lawan—this is by far the worst National Assembly Nigeria has ever had.”
Senator Natasha further alleged that dissenting voices are routinely suppressed in the current Senate.
“You are not allowed to speak. When you try to air your views on critical issues, you get shut down if it doesn’t align with what he wants,” she claimed.
Her comments add to the growing tension and internal criticisms surrounding the leadership style of Senate President Akpabio amid calls for greater transparency and inclusiveness in the legislative process.
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