By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has threatened to expose the leadership style of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
She made this revelation after her matter was referred to the Senate’s Ethics and Disciplinary Committee following a confrontation with Akpabio over a seating arrangement dispute.
Akpoti-Uduaghan stated that she was ready to appear before the committee but insisted that the proceedings should be open to the public rather than conducted behind closed doors.
She made this known in a post on her Instagram account, calling for a live broadcast of the probe.
“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 reaction followed a petition filed against her by the Northern Youths Advocacy for Excellence to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
The petition accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of corruption, abuse of power, and mistreatment of staff within the Senate Committee on Local Content, which she chairs.
The petition urged the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions to conduct a thorough investigation into her alleged “illegal, subversive, and intimidating activities” and impose necessary disciplinary measures.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has, however, maintained her innocence and insisted on transparency, promising to speak openly about the allegations and other issues within the Senate leadership.
Trouble started last week when the female Kogi lawmaker confronted the Senate President over the relocation of her seat at the Senate.
In the heated exchange of words, Akpabio called on the Senate security to walk Akpoti-Uduaghan out of the chambers.
Intervention by other senators, however, saved the day. But the Senate, in a statement by its spokesman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, berated Akpoti-Uduaghan for standing up to the Senate President, reminding her that the Senate is not for entertainment.
On Tuesday, the Kogi lawmaker filed a N100.3bn defamation lawsuit against Akpabio and others