…Faces Senate Disciplinary Panel
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has initiated a ₦100 billion defamation lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The suit, filed at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on 25 February 2025, alleges that Akpabio and his legislative aide, Mfon Patrick, made defamatory remarks about her.
Specifically, the lawsuit references a Facebook post by Patrick, purportedly at the behest of Akpabio, which questioned Akpoti-Uduaghan’s understanding of legislative procedures and made disparaging comments about her appearance.
The senator is seeking a retraction of the statements, a public apology published in a national newspaper, and ₦100 billion in general damages. Additionally, she demands ₦300 million to cover the costs associated with the lawsuit.
Background of the Dispute
The legal action follows a contentious incident in the Senate on 20 February 2025.
During that day’s plenary session, Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at the Senate chamber and discovered that her designated seat had been reassigned without prior notification.
She protested the change by removing her name tag from the new seat and attempting to return to her original position.
This led to a heated exchange with Senate President Akpabio, who directed the Sergeant-at-Arms to intervene and restore order in the chamber.
Reactions from Advocacy Groups
Following the incident, several groups weighed in on the matter. The Voices for Inclusion and Equity for Women (VIEW), a women’s rights advocacy group, condemned Akpabio’s handling of the situation, describing it as part of a pattern of gender-based intimidation in Nigerian politics. “This is not just about a seat; it is about the systemic suppression of women in leadership,” the group stated.
Conversely, the African Alliance for Community and Nation (AACN) criticised Akpoti-Uduaghan’s behavior, calling it a violation of Senate rules. The group demanded disciplinary action against her, arguing that she was trying to manipulate the situation for personal gain.
Senate’s Response
The Senate referred Akpoti-Uduaghan to its Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for disciplinary review.
The upper legislative chamber reached a resolution on Tuesday during plenary, following consideration and adoption of a report presented by Yemi Adaramodu, the chamber’s spokesperson.
Adaramodu criticised her behavior, stating that the Senate is “a place for serious legislative work, not entertainment or content creation.”
The committee is expected to assess her conduct and recommend appropriate actions.
- Agriculture Ministry Declares 3-Day Fasting and Prayer for Food Security - June 14, 2025
- Tinubu’s Presidency Immortalised in Abuja With Barracks, Schools, Roads - June 12, 2025
- June 12: Tinubu Dismisses One-Party State Claims - June 12, 2025