The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, yesterday, vowed to break her silence on the leadership of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
Her decision, however, followed allegations of corruption and misconduct levelled against her by a youth group from the northern part of the country.
The senator had an encounter with the Senate President last Thursday over the relocation of her seat within the chamber, which she insisted was done in bad fate.
Advertisement
To order your copy, send a WhatsApp message to +1 317 665 2180
Akpoti-Uduaghan later took to her Instagram handle and demanded an open hearing on the matter.
She expressed her willingness to speak openly on the issues surrounding her activities and actions within the chamber since her inauguration.
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 chaired.
The document also alleged that she engaged in financial misappropriation and blackmail against oil and gas industry stakeholders.
The petition against Akpoti-Uduaghan detailed several allegations, including the misappropriation of committee funds, intimidation of staff, and extortion of oil and gas companies.
It claimed that she sidelined Edith Ajah, the Clerk of the Senate Committee on Local Content, and allegedly diverted funds meant 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.
In her response, the Senator 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 a lot of occurrences at the Senate under Senate President Godswill Akpabio, it’s about time I broke my silence,” she stated.
She further called on Arise News to set up an interview date from Friday, February 28, 2025, promising to appear in person and answer all questions.
“To Nigerians, please be sure to join the probe, which I shall 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.
