“She should not be persecuted” – Senator Natasha constituents warn Senate leadership

The Kogi Central Senatorial District has declared unwavering support for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in her ongoing dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

In a statement issued on Friday, February 28, 2025, the Ebira People’s Association (EPA), the umbrella socio-cultural body of the district, reaffirmed its confidence in Natasha’s representation and cautioned against any form of political persecution.

“It is imperative at this point to reiterate the support of Kogi Central Senatorial District for the distinguished Senator, Barrister Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and to express our confidence in her representation at the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“She has so far impressed Kogi Central in her legislative roles, and we demand that she should not be persecuted for whatever reason,” part of the statement signed by Dr. Godwin Oyibo, President of EPA read.

The association also warned against giving the issue an ethnic twist, urging all parties to allow the Senate to resolve its internal matters without bias.

“We take special note of the developments, from the infamous ‘nightclub’ comment to her sudden removal as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content and the abrupt displacement from her seat in the chamber,” the statement read.

The EPA further cautioned against the rising culture of intimidation and political harassment, calling on the Senate leadership to ensure fairness and uphold democratic principles.

“We are closely monitoring the situation, the utterances, and the actions of certain individuals and groups. At the appropriate time, we will respond accordingly,” the association warned.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the Senate, accused Senate President Akpabio of making sexual advances at her.

It’s the second time Akpabio will be accused of sexual harassment after Joy Nunieh, a former NDDC official made the same allegation.