Opposition Senators Visit Suspended Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Pledge Swift Resolution

A delegation of opposition senators visited Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the suspended senator representing Kogi Central, at her home on Friday, pledging to work towards a swift resolution of the controversy surrounding her suspension.

Led by former Bayelsa governor and senator Seriake Dickson, the delegation aimed to show solidarity with Akpoti-Uduaghan following her suspension from the Senate. Dickson, who serves on the Senate’s Ethics and Privileges Committee—the same committee that recommended her suspension—shared a photo of the visit on social media.

Explaining his absence from the Senate session that led to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, Dickson said he had been attending a three-day workshop on tax reform bills. He stated that he was unaware of the emergency committee sitting that resulted in her suspension, as he had been assured that the hearing on the matter would take place on March 11.

After concluding his retreat, Dickson said he led the delegation to visit Akpoti-Uduaghan and her husband at their home. He emphasized that senators, like all individuals, experience both high and low moments, and it is customary for colleagues to support each other in difficult times. He added that the delegation offered words of encouragement, prayers, and advice while promising to engage with Senate leadership to resolve the matter swiftly.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months on Thursday after rejecting her reassigned seat in the upper chamber. The situation escalated further when she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, triggering widespread debate and condemnation, particularly from women’s rights groups and civil society organizations.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized the suspension, describing it as a cover-up attempt by Senate leadership. The controversy continues to generate reactions across political and activist circles, with growing calls for a fair resolution.