Senator Natasha: At an Ivory Coast IPU meeting, she tried to sit next to the Senate President- Karimi Sunday

Senator Karimi Sunday, the chair of the Senate Committee on Services, has made serious allegations against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central, claiming that she improperly pushed another lawmaker aside to secure a seat next to Senate President Godswill Akpabio during an Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in Ivory Coast. In a recent interview on TVC, Senator Sunday detailed the incident, stating, “At the IPU meeting in Ivory Coast, she tried to take a seat next to the Senate President and forced Senator Ekpeyong to stand when he was already seated there.”

Senator Sunday’s comments come in the wake of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent allegations of harassment against the Senate, which he challenged by questioning the timing of her claims. He pointed out that she alleged harassment on December 8, 2023, just weeks after her entry into the Senate in November, despite having previously maintained friendly relations with her colleagues. “It raises questions about her motives,” he remarked.

The senator further attributed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations to her recent removal as chairman of local content, suggesting that her grievances stem from personal conflicts rather than genuine concerns. “She has clashed with multiple senators, and this seems to be a continuation of that pattern,” he noted.

Senator Sunday also recalled the origins of the conflict between Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate leadership, which he claims began in July 2023. He described an aggressive confrontation where she challenged the Senate President after he made a remark about not being in a "clubhouse." "She even threatened to bring him down until he apologized," he added, emphasizing the contentious nature of their interactions.

These allegations have sparked discussions within the Senate and among the public, raising questions about decorum and conduct among lawmakers. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how these claims will impact the relationships within the Senate and the broader political landscape in Nigeria.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has yet to respond to Senator Sunday’s allegations, and the political community is watching closely for her reaction. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions within the Senate and the challenges that arise in a politically charged environment.