The treatment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by Senate President Godswill Akpabio has become a matter of serious concern, raising questions about fairness, respect, and adherence to parliamentary procedures in Nigeria’s Senate. As the duly elected representative of Kogi Central, Senator Natasha deserves to be treated with the same dignity and regard as her colleagues. However, a pattern of public humiliation, disregard for due process, and unjust treatment has continued to unfold under the leadership of Senator Akpabio. From unnecessary remarks aimed at belittling her to procedural maneuvers that undermine her ability to represent her constituents effectively, the Senate President’s actions suggest a troubling double standard. This open letter calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, fellow senators, and the Nigerian public to demand an end to this mistreatment. It is imperative that all senators, regardless of gender or political affiliations, are given the respect and fairness they are entitled to under the law.

AN OPEN LETTER ON THE UNFAIR AND UNJUST TREATMENT OF SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN BY SENATE PRESIDENT GODSWILL AKPABIO

I write to strongly condemn the continued mistreatment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the distinguished representative of Kogi Central in the Red Chamber, by the Senate President, H.E. Senator Godswill Akpabio.

Some time ago, Senator Akpabio publicly embarrassed Senator Natasha, remarking that the Senate was “not a night party.” When we sought to understand what could have prompted such an unnecessary statement, it became clear that her only “offense” was speaking without being recognized by the Senate President. A minor procedural oversight like this could have been corrected without resorting to ridicule.

Again, on February 20, 2025, another incident occurred regarding the reallocation of Senate seats. While it is within the Senate President’s authority to assign or reassign seats due to circumstances, due process demands that affected senators be consulted or at least informed beforehand.

According to Order 11(2) of the Standing Orders of the Nigerian Senate, a senator may only speak from their assigned seat. However, it is parliamentary custom to notify or consult a senator before altering their seat assignment. Senator Natasha was neither informed nor consulted before her seat was reassigned. When she attempted to raise her concerns, she was shut down on the grounds that she was not speaking from her designated seat, with Order 6(2) cited against her.

Ironically, this same seat reassignment issue had occurred in the past when Senator Akpabio himself was affected during Senator Bukola Saraki’s tenure as Senate President. He protested and spoke even while not seated in his assigned place, yet he was not silenced. This clear double standard raises serious concerns about fairness and respect within the Senate.

In light of the above, we call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all members of the Senate to put an end to this pattern of intimidation, discrimination, and humiliation directed at Senator Natasha. She was elected by the people of Kogi Central to serve, and we are proud of her.

We will not stand by and watch anyone attempt to intimidate, demean, or suppress her voice. Senator Natasha is a woman of courage and integrity who deserves respect and fair treatment in all ramifications.

To Senator Natasha, we say: Do not be discouraged. Do not bow to intimidation. Continue to serve your people fearlessly and in accordance with the laws of Nigeria.

We say Enough is enough.

We say no to intimidation.

We say no to abuse of women.

We say to unproductive Leader

We say no to incompetent Leader.

We say no to uncontrol Leader

We say no to be calling sen. Natasha names.

We say no harassing sen Natasha

You both have equal right ok.

You both are senators

You both are representing yours constituency in you senatorial districts.

SP enough for all this harassment and embarrassment ok.