It’s time to break my silence on Akpabio’s leadership — Akpoti-Uduaghan

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central has said she is ready to break her silence on the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, following allegations of corruption and misconduct levied against her.

The lawmaker had been in the eye of the storm since she had a heated exchange with Akpabio last Thursday over the reassignment of her seat upon the Senate’s resumption.

Natasha via her Instagram handle on Thursday called for a public probe into the matter and expressed her willingness to speak openly on the issues surrounding her tenure.

Her statement comes in response 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 accuses the Kogi Central Senator of corruption, abuse of power, and victimisation of staff within the Senate Committee on Local Content, which she chairs.

The document also alleges that she engaged in financial misappropriation and blackmail against oil and gas industry stakeholders.

Read also: UPDATE: Natasha, Akpabio clash in Senate over seating arrangement

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 claims 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 alleges that she coerced oil and gas companies to provide cash donations and other favors under the guise of facilitating committee work. The petition also accuses her of orchestrating a hostile work environment for Senate staff, leading to internal grievances.

The petition read in part, “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, rather, was focused on fleecing businesses.”

It added, “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.

Read also: Akpoti-Uduaghan sues Akpabio, aide, demands over N100bn

“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 further stated that,”The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions should thoroughly investigate all illegally, subversive and intimidating activities of Senator Natasha Uduaghan-Akpoti with a view to exerting the necessary legal and disciplinary measures.”

However, in her response, Senator 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 a lot of occurrences at the Senate under Senate President Godswill Akpabio, it’s about time I break 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 declared.