By Austin Ogwuda
THE ongoing hullabaloo over the suspension of the Senator representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan would have been over by now if she had agreed to tender public apology to the Senate, rather she chose to tow the path of confrontation, says the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio
Senator Akpabio stated this in a press statement issued on his behalf by his Aide, Kenny Okolugbo in Abuja on Monday (today).
According to the statement, “There was no official communication from the court to the Senate Clerk or leadership directing her reinstatement. Instead, she arrived at the National Assembly with cameras and supporters in what was clearly a staged spectacle.
“The Senate is not a reality show. You don’t force your way into a constitutionally regulated chamber.
“All she needed to do was apologise publicly and the suspension would have been lifted. Even the Brekete Family advised her to do so, but she refused.
“Nigeria has only four female senators. When one weaponizes gender and distorts the truth, it undermines real struggles and damages credibility”, the statement pointed out.
It further noted that legislative duties in her constituency, Kogi Central, were not disrupted while in suspension. Her sponsored Bills, including one establishing a Federal Medical Centre in Ihima, continued to progress”.
Recall that Akpoti-Uduaghan had attempted twice to return to the Senate after being suspended for six months. She claimed that a Federal High Court ruling nullified her suspension, giving her the right to resume her duties but was was prevented from entering the Chamber on both occasions.
Credit: GWG
