Senators from Kogi State have issued formal apologies to Senate President Godswill Akpabio following a contentious exchange during a recent plenary session, which saw a heated argument between Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The Senator Natasha and Akpabio incident, which has sparked widespread discussion on social media and among political analysts, underscores ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s legislative chambers.
According to a report from a credible source, the altercation erupted during Senate proceedings, though specific details of the disagreement remain unclear.
However, the clash was significant enough to prompt Kogi State senators to intervene, offering apologies on behalf of their colleague, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to diffuse the situation and restore harmony within the upper chamber.
The apologies were tendered to Akpabio, Nigeria’s third-highest-ranking public official, during a session on Friday, February 21, 2025.
This is not the first time Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan have clashed publicly. In July 2024, Akpabio issued a public apology to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan after referring to the Senate chamber as “not a nightclub” during a rowdy session, a comment widely criticized as dismissive and unbecoming of his office.
That incident, detailed in a BBC News Pidgin report, saw Akpabio clarifying his remarks and emphasizing his commitment to connecting with Nigerians through transparent legislative processes.
The recurrence of tension between the two figures suggests underlying political or procedural disagreements within the Senate.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a barrister and social entrepreneur who won her seat in the Kogi Central Senatorial District in 2023 following a court ruling by the Court of Appeal, has been a vocal presence in the Senate.
Her appointment as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, as noted in reports by AIT LIVE, came after lobbying by Kogi senators, indicating her rising influence.
However, her assertive style has reportedly led to friction with senior figures like Akpabio, who has been Senate President since 2023 and previously served as Governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2007 to 2015.
Akpabio, a seasoned politician and lawyer, has faced his share of controversies, including investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of diverting over 100 billion naira during his tenure as governor.
Despite these challenges, he remains a powerful figure in Nigerian politics, leading the 10th National Assembly with a firm hand.
The apologies from Kogi senators, as reported, were an attempt to prevent escalation and ensure that Senate operations continue smoothly.
One senator, speaking on behalf of the Kogi caucus, emphasized adherence to Senate rules and pleaded with Akpabio not to invoke disciplinary measures against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The incident has reignited debates about decorum, power dynamics, and the role of newer lawmakers in Nigeria’s bicameral legislature.
On social media, reactions of Nigerians were mixed. Some users expressed sympathy for Akpoti-Uduaghan, urging Akpabio to respect her as a fellow senator.
Others criticized Akpabio’s leadership, accusing him of reducing the Senate to a “hall of shame” and calling for a unicameral legislature to address perceived inefficiencies and corruption.
Meanwhile, skepticism about the authenticity of the apologies emerged, with some labeling the move a “big white lie.”
Political analysts suggest that this episode reflects broader challenges in Nigeria’s political landscape, including generational shifts, regional rivalries, and the struggle for influence within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties.
Kogi State, a key political battleground, has seen intense competition, with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s rise as a senator under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) adding complexity to the state’s representation in the federal legislature.
As of the latest updates, Senate President Akpabio has assured lawmakers that the issue will be addressed appropriately, though no specific disciplinary actions or resolutions have been announced.
The incident, occurring just before the weekend, is likely to dominate political discourse in Nigeria, with stakeholders watching closely to see how the Senate navigates this latest controversy.
For Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the episode reinforces her profile as a bold and determined legislator, while for Senate President Godswill Akpabio, it serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required to lead a diverse and often fractious Senate.
As Nigeria grapples with economic challenges, security concerns, and governance reforms, the ability of its lawmakers to maintain unity and focus on national priorities remains under scrutiny.
