By Nathaniel Zacchaeus, Abuja
The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has vowed to break her silence on the leadership of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
Her decision followed allegations of corruption and misconduct levied against her by a northern youth group.
The Senator had an open confrontation with the Senate President last Thursday over the relocation of her seat in the chamber, which insisted was done in bad fate.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, on her Instagram handle, yesterday demanded an open hearing on the matter by allowing television stations to broadcast the session live to Nigerians.
She said she was willing to speak openly on the issues surrounding her activities and actions within the chamber since her inauguration.
*Northern youths accuse Kogi lawmaker of corruption, petitions Senate ethics c’ttee
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations was reacting to a petition filed by the Northern Youths Advocacy for Excellence (NOYAD) to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions shared on her Instagram page.
The petition accused the Akpoti-Uduaghan of corruption, abuse of power, and victimisation of staff within the Senate Committee on Local Content, which she chairs.
The document also alleged that she engaged in financial misappropriation and blackmail against oil and gas industry stakeholders.
The petition against Akpoti-Uduaghan details several allegations, including the misappropriation of committee funds, intimidation of staff, and extortion of oil and gas companies.
It claimed she side-lined Edith Ajah, the Senate Committee on Local Content Clerk, and allegedly diverted funds for committee activities.
Additionally, the document alleged that she coerced oil and gas companies to provide cash donations and other favours under the guise of facilitating committee work.
The petition also accused her of orchestrating a hostile work environment for Senate staff, leading to internal grievances.
Part of the statement read, “Evidence at our disposal shows that Senator Natasha has corruptly enriched and overreached herself through intimidation tactics, unapproved public outreaches, and by reimbursing endorsements against regulations.
“With the benefit of hindsight, NOYAD is also alleging, with incontrovertible evidence, that Senator Natasha Uduaghan-Akpoti had, ab initio, never had any genuine support for the Local Content mandate but, instead, was focused on fleecing businesses.
“Senator Natasha took laws into her hands by stifling the rights and privileges of the Committee Clerk, Ms. Edith Ajah, and her team, forcing the committee into a state of near-dysfunctionality.
“To crown it all, Senator Natasha Uduaghan-Akpoti’s high-handed attitude and antics came to its zenith when she ensured the Clerk was sacked for not joining in her committee’s indiscretions of warping and arm-twisting ploy to steal the funds meant for the Committee.”
The petition stated, “The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions should thoroughly investigate all illegal, subversive, and intimidating activities of Senator Natasha Uduaghan-Akpoti to exert the necessary legal and disciplinary measures.”
However, in her response, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan called for a live, transparent investigation session and invited Nigerians to witness the proceedings.
“This petition came to my notice a few hours ago. In as much as I have refrained from publicly speaking on the matter and many occurrences at the Senate under Senate President Godswill Akpabio, it’s about time I break my silence,” she stated.
She further called Arise News to schedule an interview date from Friday (today), February 28, 2025, promising to appear in person and answer all questions.
“To Nigerians, please join the probe, which I insist would be covered live.
“The next few days and weeks shall be interesting but will shape the standard and quality of Nigeria’s leadership,” she stated.
