The Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, made a notable return to the Senate Chamber on Wednesday as plenary resumed following a one-week recess. She was accompanied by her husband, who shared a brief and affectionate moment with her before she proceeded into the chamber.

However, it was her newly assigned seat that drew significant attention. The seat, at the center of an ongoing dispute, has become a point of contention in the Senate. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously rejected the seat, citing concerns about being placed directly in the line of sight of the chamber’s cameras.

This seat allocation has since been the subject of controversy, intensifying after the senator accused Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of sexual harassment. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations have ignited tensions, though the Senate President has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.

As the Kogi State lawmaker settled into her seat, there was noticeable attention on her demeanor, particularly as she remained seated during the traditional procession where all senators are expected to stand in acknowledgment of the Senate leadership. This action has added fuel to the already heated discussions surrounding her relationship with the Senate leadership.

The controversy has sparked further attention, as protesters gathered outside the National Assembly on Wednesday in support of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. Demonstrators accused Senate President Akpabio of silencing and maligning women, calling on President Bola Tinubu to intervene.

The protesters’ demand is centered around the allegation of sexual harassment, which they argue is a pressing human rights issue. Despite security forces deploying tear gas to disperse the crowd, the protesters remained steadfast in their support.

 

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Inside the chamber, the Senate Ethics Committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imaseun, is preparing to investigate the Kogi lawmaker’s alleged non-compliance with Senate rules. This investigation, coupled with the public outcry surrounding the ongoing dispute, has only intensified the already volatile atmosphere in the National Assembly.

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