Godswill Akpabio denies Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claim he acted like a dictator during her suspension, insisting Senate rules were properly followed

Speaking through his media aide Kenny Okolugbo on Wednesday, the Senate President dismissed the claims as “untrue” and insisted her six-month suspension strictly followed Senate procedures.

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The controversy follows Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return to her office on Tuesday after months of legal disputes.

Upon resuming, she accused Akpabio of humiliating her during the suspension and vowed she had “no apology to tender” for her defiance.

Okolugbo, appearing on Channels TV, outlined the Senate’s position. “Senator Natasha was suspended on 6th March 2025 for gross misconduct after the Ethics and Privileges and Public Petitions Committee presented its findings. The decision was in line with Senate rules,” he explained.

He also clarified that her attempt to return in July was premature, pointing to Justice Binta Nyako’s ruling which only described the suspension as “excessive” but did not order reinstatement.

Highlighting the privileges she has enjoyed since her inauguration in November 2023, Okolugbo argued against claims of mistreatment.

He noted that Akpoti-Uduaghan was made chair of the local contents committee within weeks, became a member of ECOWAS and the International Public Parliamentary Union by early 2024, and even saw her bill establishing a Federal Medical Centre in Kogi State signed into law while she was suspended.

“How many senators have bills passed into law? So how would she now say she was treated as a slave?” Okolugbo questioned.

Also read: Senate blocks Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return over court case

He stressed that the Senate acted within its rules and rejected any suggestion of personal bias by Akpabio, describing the dictator label as baseless.