Atedo Peterside, founder of Anap Foundation and Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, has criticized the suspension of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, by the Senate, calling it disrespectful to her constituents.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Peterside expressed dismay, describing the suspension as disturbing.
“The most troubling aspect of this Senate controversy surrounding Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is that the leadership knows her six-month suspension is beyond their legal powers (ultra vires) and an insult to Kogi voters, yet they remain indifferent,” he stated.
Peterside also reaffirmed his solidarity with the female lawmaker as she fights the decision.
The long-standing tension between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan escalated on March 6, 2025, leading to her suspension.
The crisis started on February 20, 2025, when Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office following a seat arrangement dispute in the Senate. She further sued him for ₦100 billion, alleging defamation, while the Senate referred her to its disciplinary committee.
Refusing to back down, Akpoti-Uduaghan challenged her suspension in court. A Federal High Court in Abuja issued an order restraining the Senate from taking disciplinary action against her, with the case adjourned to March 10, 2025.
However, on March 5, 2025, the Senate committee dismissed her petition against Akpabio, branding it “dead on arrival” due to procedural lapses. Undeterred, Akpoti-Uduaghan refiled her complaint the next day.
This isn’t the first public confrontation between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan. In July 2024, the Senate President issued a public apology after making a controversial nightclub remark about her.
With mounting legal battles and public outcry, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension raises serious questions about political accountability and women’s representation in leadership. Will the court overturn the Senate’s decision? Nigerians are watching.
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