Senator Natasha Wants Senate Probe Aired Live

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has requested that her Senate probe be aired live to ensure openness. She was referred to the Senate’s Ethics and Disciplinary Committee after a disagreement with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements.  READ ALSO: Between Sen Akpabio and his female colleagues While she is ready to appear before the panel, she insists that the process should not be conducted behind closed doors. In a statement shared on social media, Akpoti-Uduaghan mentioned that she had previously stayed silent on Senate matters but had now decided to speak up.  She called on Nigerians to pay attention to the proceedings, stressing her dedication to openness in governance. The senator also shared a petition from a group called Northern Youths Advocacy for Excellence (NOYAD), which accused her of corruption, breach of trust, and mistreatment of local content committee staff.  She stated that she only recently became aware of the petition. READ ALSO: Stakeholders seek reserved seats for women participation in politics She also invited a national television station to host her for an open discussion, saying she is ready to answer any questions.  She urged Nigerians to watch the probe, insisting that it should be broadcast live. According to her, the coming days and weeks will be crucial in shaping leadership standards in Nigeria.

Senate Refers Natasha Akpoti to Ethics Committee Over Seat Dispute

The Senate has directed its Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions Committee to investigate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following a disagreement over seating arrangements in the chamber. The decision was made through a voice vote on Tuesday after lawmakers revisited the February 20 incident, where Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed with the Senate leadership over her assigned seat.  The committee, led by Senator Neda Imaseun, has been given two weeks to examine the issue and submit a report. Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu raised a motion under Senate Orders 1(b) and 10, criticizing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions and stating that the controversy had drawn public attention.  He insisted that the Senate should maintain order and discipline among its members. Supporting this position, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele stated that the chamber must preserve its integrity.  He rejected claims that gender bias played a role in the dispute, explaining that other senior senators had accepted seat adjustments without protest. Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed the Ethics Committee to conduct a thorough review.  He pointed out that while senators can sit anywhere, they must make contributions from their designated seats.  Akpabio suggested that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s unfamiliarity with Senate procedures might have caused the incident. Citing Senate Order 66(2) and Section 55, he reminded lawmakers of the need to follow rules, including prohibitions on chewing gum, drinking water, or being disruptive during sessions.  The committee’s findings are expected in two weeks.