Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi Central, has vowed to expose Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s leadership style.
Her statement comes after she was referred to the Senate’s Ethics and Disciplinary Committee following a disagreement with Akpabio over a seating arrangement.
Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that she was prepared to come before the committee but requested that the hearings be open to the public rather than held behind closed doors.
She announced this in an Instagram post, where she requested a live broadcast of the examination.
“Good morning, courageous people of Kogi Central, Kogi State, and Nigeria,” she wrote. “Inasmuch as I have refrained from publicly speaking on the matter and a lot of occurrences at the Senate under Senate President Akpabio, it’s about time I break my silence.
“Arise News, set a date, and I shall be in your studio in person. Spare no questions.
“And to Nigerians, please be sure to join the probe, which I shall insist would be covered live. The next few days and weeks shall be interesting but will shape the standard and quality of Nigeria’s leadership.”
The senator’s statement came in response to a petition submitted by Northern Youths Advocacy for Excellence with the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
The petition accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of corruption, abuse of power, and harassment of staff at the Senate Committee on Local Content, which she leads.
The petition encouraged the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions to undertake a thorough inquiry into her alleged “illegal, subversive, and intimidating activities” and take appropriate disciplinary action.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has, however, maintained her innocence and pushed for transparency, promising to speak publicly about the claims and other difficulties inside the Senate leadership.
Trouble began last week when a female Kogi lawmaker confronted the Senate President about the relocation of her seat.
During the heated debate, Akpabio directed Senate security to walk Akpoti-Uduaghan out of the chambers.
Intervention by other senators, however, salvaged the day. However, the Senate, in a statement issued by its spokesman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, chastised Akpoti-Uduaghan for opposing the Senate President, reminding her that the Senate is not for entertainment.
On Tuesday, the Kogi legislator filed a N100.3 billion defamation case against Akpabio and others.
