₦airaland Forum

drehdinho:
It’s a fundamental suit. It’s an exception to the rule.

emmanuel596:
Mumu people

Akpabio is a known Randy Dog with atom of shame

Ushman333:
Court work with evidence, the burden to prove is with Natasha, stop sounding naive...you think she has any evidence?

casualobserver:
Let the matter go to court. Why are you so determined for the matter to be withdrawn?
It is like you are afraid of knowing the truth

She has no evidence. It’s is not the first time she has made false accusation of sexual harassment. Someone that sued her now husband because he refused to marry her.
Nonsense!

Ex-Senate President Saraki Demands Impartial Probe Of Senator Natasha's Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Akpabio


March 1, 2025
NEWS

Former Nigerian Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has warned that the ongoing controversy between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is capable of damaging the integrity and public perception of the Senate.

Saraki, in a statement on Saturday, expressed deep concerns over the dispute, noting that it could erode the sanctity of the upper legislative chamber if not handled with transparency and fairness.

He emphasised that the Senate, as the leading arm of government, must be protected from any action that may portray it as endorsing lawlessness or bias.

He advised both parties, along with their supporters inside and outside the Senate, to be mindful of the consequences of their words and actions, urging them to prioritise the institution’s reputation over personal interests.

He called for strict adherence to the Constitution, parliamentary rules, and ethical standards in resolving the matter.

“I have watched from afar the recent development in the Senate between the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Senator from Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

"It is a development that has made me sad because of its overall negative effect on the integrity, sanctity, image, and public perception of the institution,” Saraki stated.

He insisted that a transparent and impartial investigation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions was necessary to establish the facts and restore public confidence.

He urged both Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan to fully cooperate with the committee.

“This is not the first time a Senate President would appear before the Committee to aid it in the conduct of a transparent and open investigation. I remember during the 8th Senate when a Senator claimed that I imported an official car for my use as Senate President and that customs duty was not paid on the vehicle.

"Since I knew the claim was false, the matter was referred to the Ethics Committee, and I appeared before the committee to testify, in the full glare of the media,” he recalled.

Saraki recounted how his own case was handled transparently, leading to a fair resolution. He urged the current Senate leadership to follow the same precedent to ensure due process and fairness.

He warned against allowing the Senate to be perceived as an institution that tolerates misconduct, including sexual harassment, gender bias, abuse of office, and disorderliness.

According to him, a thorough and unbiased investigation would correct any wrongdoing and ensure appropriate remedies.

“Let me make it clear without any ambiguity that I am neither stating that Akpabio is guilty of anything nor am I expressing the opinion that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is right in her actions and claims.

"My position is that an investigation is needed to find out the truth and protect the integrity of the Senate,” he maintained.

Saraki concluded by stressing that the Senate must remain a respected and credible institution, urging all lovers of democracy to work towards strengthening it rather than allowing internal conflicts to undermine its authority.

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OLAADEGBU:
Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of victimizing her in the Senate because she rejected his alleged sexual advances.

Metordman:
jobless women disturbing us woth thier news

stampo:
Oga... didn't you hear her legal team telling Akpabio's wife that they are evidence to this fact

ogolemati:
see the kind of news oozing out from Nigeria.when you elect a druglord and he assembles his team of rogues. country of mudafuckers run by asshole mudafuckers defended by demon possessed asslickers

SeverusSnape:
Rubbish. Madam go and tame your husband's sexual urges. You don't even need a soothsayer to tell you that that Akwa Ibom man is a sexual predator.

OLAADEGBU:
This woman no know say she married a he-goat? or she is just pretending? the man that will give 200k to 20 girls for only thanks for coming, that's if he doesn't fancy you. after lining them up as beauty peasants for contention at Mountie suites calabar.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of victimising her in the Senate because she rejected his alleged sexual advances.

histemple:
I don't understand what rule you are referencing.

Only the injured party can institute FREP before the court. Fundamental human rights violations are not like any other civil matters whereof interested parties can seek to be joined.

The allegations were personal and directed at Mr. Akpabio and not the wife.

A wife cannot sue a person for defaming her husband. It is the character and reputation of the husband that was attacked, NOT the wife or family.

At best, the wife can ask her Lawyers to file this suit on behalf of her husband. She has no part in the matter. Her name was not mentioned.

SERAP Sues Akpabio For Failing To Lift ‘Unlawful Suspension’ Of Senator Natasha

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March 16, 2025
News

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Senate President, Mr Godswill Akpabio over "the failure to reverse the patently unlawful suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as the purported suspension is based solely on the peaceful exercise of her right to freedom of expression."

Mr Akpabio is sued for himself and on behalf of all members of the Senate.

The Senate recently suspended Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, after she reportedly 'spoke without permission' and 'refused her new seat in the Senate chamber.'

Her salary and allowances have also been withheld for the duration of the suspension, and she has been barred from identifying herself as a senator.

In the suit numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/498/2025, filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP is seeking: "an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio to rescind the unlawful suspension of Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, reinstate her, and fully restore all her legislative rights, entitlements, and privileges."

SERAP is seeking "an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Senate from further suspending or taking any disciplinary action against Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan solely for the peaceful exercise of her fundamental human rights."

It is also seeking "a declaration that the application of sections 6(1)(2) of the Senate Rules, the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended), to suspend Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan violates her human rights and deprives her constituents of their right to political participation."

In the suit, SERAP argues that “granting this application would serve the public interest and promote respect for the rights of everyone in the National Assembly."

It said, "No one should ever be punished for 'speaking without permission'. Being a senator does not deprive Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan of her fundamental human rights. The Senate should be setting an example by upholding the rule of law and promoting and protecting human rights, not stamping them out.

"Punishing Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan solely for peacefully expressing herself is unlawful, unnecessary and disproportionate. Her suspension would also have a disproportionate chilling effect on the ability of other members of the Senate to freely express themselves and exercise their human rights.

"Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan's suspension is based solely on the peaceful exercise of her right to freedom of expression in the Senate. All the other grounds cited by the Senate for her suspension seem to be a pretext to further restrict her fundamental human rights."

The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare and Mrs Adelanke Aremo, read in part: "No member of the Senate should suffer any consequences for peacefully exercising their freedom of expression."

The organisation said the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate has “restricted and seriously undermined the ability of the residents of her Kogi Central Senatorial District to effectively participate in their own government”.

It said, "The Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa, in Principle II (2) provides that 'any restrictions on freedom of expression shall be provided for by law, serve a legitimate interest and be necessary and in a democratic society'.

"Article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights provides that, 'Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law.'

"The right to express one's opinion is of paramount importance, not only because it oils the engine of a representative democracy but also because it creates a free and open environment.

"The right to freedom of expression is a fundamental individual human right which is also a cornerstone of democracy and a means of ensuring the respect for all human rights and freedoms.

"The Human Rights Council, the body charged with monitoring implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights has stressed that any limitations or restrictions to freedom of expression should be applied strictly so that they do 'not put in jeopardy the right itself.'

"Article 19(1) of the Covenant establishes the right to freedom of opinion without interference. Article 19(2) establishes the Senate's obligations to respect and ensure 'the right to freedom of expression,' which includes the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, either orally or in writing.

"The Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) should not and cannot set aside Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan's right to express herself and disseminate her opinions which is clearly guaranteed in section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], and under the human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party."

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

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Senate President Akpabio Once Noticed I Wasn't Wearing My Ring, Asked 'Is This Invitation To Treat?' – Senator Natasha

March 18, 2025
NEWS

Suspended senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has recounted one of the moments of alleged sexual harassment from the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, prior to the clash between them.

In an interview with the BBC on Tuesday, the Kogi Central lawmaker claimed that her recent six-month suspension was a deliberate attempt to silence her.

"I am being victimised. My suspension is a means of silencing me," Akpoti-Uduaghan stated.

The senator’s suspension, which took effect on March 6, was handed down for what was termed "gross misconduct" after she failed to appear before the Senate Ethics and Privileges Committee.

Her suspension followed a heated confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a plenary session last month.

Akpoti-Uduaghan has since accused Akpabio of sexually harassing her, alleging that he made inappropriate advances both inside and outside the Senate chambers.

She recounted an incident at Akpabio’s country home, where she claimed he held her hand in a "suggestive way."
"We were at his country home. He was taking me around his house. My husband was walking behind us. He held my hand. He then squeezed my hands in a very suggestive way.
“We women, we know what it means when a man squeezes our hands in a suggestive way," she said.

When asked if Akpabio had made advances towards her inside the Senate chamber, she recalled another incident. “There was a time when I rushed to work and forgot to wear my ring. There were about five senators there. He said, ‘Oh Natasha, you are not wearing your ring, is this an invitation to treat?’ You know, statements like this.”

However, Senate Deputy Chief Whip Onyekachi Nwaebonyi who reacted to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s interview dismissed the allegations, stating that Akpabio had never made sexual advances or inappropriate comments toward Akpoti-Uduaghan.

"Senator Natasha’s legislative activities show this claim is not true," Nwaebonyi told the BBC, also rejecting her assertion that the Senate was deliberately silencing her.

The controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension has sparked debate on the treatment of female lawmakers in Nigerian politics.

Critics argued that the lack of openness within the Senate discourages accountability and stifles dissenting voices.

Others, however, maintain that disciplinary measures against lawmakers should not be politicised.

As the fallout from these allegations continues, the Nigerian Senate faces renewed scrutiny over issues of gender dynamics, internal governance, and the freedom of lawmakers to express their views without fear of retribution.

[color=orange]Source[/color]

EXCLUSIVE: Akpabio’s Guest House Hosts Dollar Rain As Senators Pocket $10,000, $5,000 To Back Tinubu's Rivers Emergency Rule

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March 20, 2025
News
Exclusive

SaharaReporters has uncovered that cash was distributed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s guest house on Tuesday and Wednesday nights to secure lawmakers’ support for President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Sources privy to the matter told SaharaReporters that Akpabio’s guest house, located at No. 22, Yedeseram Street, Maitama, Abuja, was the venue where the money was handed out.

According to the sources, 42 senators received $10,000 each on Wednesday night, while 45 senators were given $5,000 each on Tuesday night to influence the approval of the controversial emergency rule in Rivers State.

SaharaReporters also learned that Senator Victor Umeh and Senator Neda Imasuen of the Labour Party were among the key figures involved in organising the payout.

“They were the only Labour Party senators present at both events on Tuesday and Wednesday nights and participated in collecting the money,” one of the sources said.

“The venue was the Senate President's guest house at No. 22 Yedeseram Street, Maitama, where 42 senators were given $10,000 each last Wednesday night, and 45 senators received $5,000 each on Tuesday night, March 18, to pass the controversial Rivers State emergency rule.”

On Wednesday, SaharaReporters exclusively reported that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had allegedly provided funds to Senate President Godswill Akpabio to rally senators in support of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

This followed President Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in the state on Tuesday, which also led to the six-month suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and the House of Assembly.

On Wednesday, the Senate deferred discussions on the matter until 3 p.m. that same day. Although the motion to deliberate on Tinubu's letter was listed as the first item on the day’s Order Paper, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) invoked Order 1(b) of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) to postpone the debate. The motion was seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).

Following the postponement, the Senate moved on to other agenda items, including confirming nominees for the Police Service Commission (PSC).

Sources told SaharaReporters on Wednesday that Akpabio intentionally delayed the debate on the Rivers State emergency rule until 3 p.m. when most senators would have left the chamber.

“Wike allegedly provided money for Akpabio as they met yesterday after Tinubu told him to do the groundwork for the State of Emergency. Over $3 million was provided when Wike met Akpabio,” one of the sources said on Wednesday.

“Akpabio then invited some senators to Iftar after which he gave them dollars depending on their seniority.”

However, sources said some senators, including former Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson, former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and several other former governors, did not attend the Iftar.

“The announcement was made during Iftar," a source said.

"The senators requested an open vote, but Akpabio postponed it until 3 p.m. when most senators would have left the chamber.

"At least 72 senators are required to sign, but fewer than 60 were present today. The House of Representatives also needs a minimum of 240 votes. Meanwhile, the Speaker, Tajudeen Abass, was not informed, which explains the chaos in the House of Representatives today (Wednesday)."

President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing escalating political instability and security concerns, including recent pipeline vandalism that threatened the nation's oil production.

This declaration led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the state's House of Assembly for six months. To assume administrative control during this period, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the state's administrator.

In accordance with constitutional provisions, the President's declaration required approval from the National Assembly.

Earlier today, both chambers—the Senate and the House of Representatives—convened to deliberate on the proclamation.

Senate Proceedings

The Senate held a closed-door session lasting over an hour to discuss the state of emergency. Following this session, Senate President Akpabio announced unanimous approval of the President's proclamation.

The Senate invoked Sections 134, 135, and 136 of its Standing Orders, aligning with Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers the President to declare a state of emergency, subject to legislative approval.

The Senate's resolution included the establishment of a joint ad hoc committee with the House of Representatives to oversee the administration of Rivers State during the emergency period. Additionally, a committee comprising eminent Nigerians was proposed to mediate and resolve the political crisis in the state within the six-month timeframe.

House of Representatives Proceedings

Earlier on Thursday, the House of Representatives also convened to address the President's declaration. The session, attended by 243 members, resulted in a voice vote that overwhelmingly supported the state of emergency.

The House recommended the formation of a national committee to facilitate peace and restore normalcy in Rivers State. It also resolved that the National Assembly should assume legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly for the duration of the emergency rule.

These legislative endorsements effectively activated the state of emergency in Rivers State, granting the federal government authority to intervene and address the underlying issues affecting the region.

[color=orange]Source[/color]

Senator Natasha Warns INEC Against Delaying Service Of Recall Petition, Accuses Commission Of Sabotage

March 28, 2025
NEWS

The legal representatives of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, have accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of delaying the service of a recall petition against their client.

In a letter addressed to the INEC Chairman, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's lawyers, led by Adanu Emmanuel Ogwiji of J.S. Okutepa SAN & Co., expressed concern over the commission’s failure to provide her with the petition and supporting documents despite multiple requests.

The letter, dated March 28, serves as a reminder of previous communications sent on March 24 and March 25, urging INEC to furnish the senator with the recall petition in line with constitutional provisions for fair hearing.

The lawyers referenced the case of Senator Dino Melaye & 7 Ors. vs. Independent National Electoral Commission & 3 Ors. (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/567/2017), in which the Federal High Court ruled that for a recall process to proceed, the affected lawmaker must be served with a copy of the petition along with supporting documents, including the list of signatories.

The legal team accused INEC of fostering suspicion by withholding the documents, warning that such actions could undermine public confidence in the electoral body.

In their latest communication, the lawyers gave INEC a 24-hour ultimatum to serve the recall petition or risk legal action.

They also suggested that the commission might be allowing itself to be used to sabotage the senator’s rights.

The letter read, "We continue to act as Counsel to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, member of the 10th National Assembly representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, hereinafter referred to as our client and on whose firm instruction, we write to you.

"Recall, that we had written to your office on the 24th day of March 2025 and 25th day of March 2025 demanding that our client be served through us, with the Petition and all its supporting documents in line with our client's right to fair bearing as enshrined in the constitution. Several days have passed since our communication to your office on the urgency of the matter.

"It is imperative to state, that in the case of Senator Dino Melaye & 7 Ors. Vs. Independent National Electoral Commission & 3 Ors. (Unreported, Suit No, FHC/ABJ/CS/567/2017) in which the commission was the 1st Defendant, the Federal High Court per Hon. Justice (Dr.) Nnamdi O. Dimgba held thus at PP.62-63:...It is important to stress the need for transparency in the conduct of public affairs, such as the subject matter of this litigation. It is when agencies as the 1" Defendant refuse to do simple things such as releasing petitions and the accompanying documents to the affected persons such as the 1st Plaintiff that breeds suspicions and creates negative impressions in the minds of the public and affected persons, when this could easily have been avoided.

"My view therefore is that for a recall process to proceed, the 1st Defendant should serve on the 1st Plaintiff a copy of the petition, together with all the documents accompanying it, all of which have been expressly referred to in the petition itself, Exhibit INECI. For the avoidance of doubt, these documents include (a) The recall petition (b) Schedule of Signatures attached to the petition as referred to in it and (c) the full list of persons in support of the recall process, which was also referred to in the following language: "Find supplied in the accompanying jute bags, full list of everyone in support of this Recall Process," he explained.

According to Adanu, "Pursuant to the position of the law stated above, we urge you most respectfully to comply with the request of our client, within 24 hours from the date of receipt of this letter, failing which we shall take it that, your commission has deliberately chosen to undermine the fundamental right of our client to be served the Petition said to have been received by your commission.

"We hope that your commission is not allowing itself to be used in sabotage not only of the fundamental right to fair hearing of our client, but again the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all other relevant laws of the land. We therefore reiterate, that you cause the said Petition and all attachments to be served within 24 hours from the date of this letter," he added.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, elected in 2023, has been a prominent figure in Kogi State politics, often at odds with powerful political interests.

Her recall process is widely seen as a politically charged move, raising concerns over the fairness of democratic processes in Nigeria.

[color=orange]SaharaReporters[/color]