In a dramatic escalation of political tensions, the Niger Delta Intelligentsia Team (NDIT) has filed a high-powered petition against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of violating Senate rules, defaming Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and inciting public discord. The petition, addressed to the Senate President, outlines a series of allegations, shedding light on the deepening rift within Nigeria’s legislative chambers.
The NDIT, representing leaders from the nine oil-producing states in the Niger Delta, expressed outrage over Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public comments, particularly during an interview on Arise TV. The Senator had likened her experience in the Senate to that of a student punished for rejecting inappropriate advances, a statement that sparked widespread debate and calls for investigation.
“This analogy was not only reckless but a deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation of the Senate President,” the petition stated. “Senator Akpabio is a statesman of high moral standing, a patriotic leader with extraordinary political talents.”
The petitioners argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s remarks were part of a pattern of public confrontations with prominent political figures. “In the past, she has tried her pull-him-down strategy on Senator Dino Melaye, Reno Omokri, and Governor Yahaya Bello,” the document claimed. “It seems she thrives on sensationalism and controversy.”
The conflict reportedly escalated following an incident in the Senate chamber where Akpoti-Uduaghan was ruled out of order for speaking without recognition. Tensions peaked when she was removed as chair of the Local Content Committee and reassigned to a different seat, which she allegedly refused to occupy.
“The Senate is not a nightclub where people do and talk anyhow,” Senate President Akpabio reportedly remarked during the plenary session, later apologizing for the comment after public backlash.
The NDIT petition emphasized the importance of respecting legislative authority. “Compliance with rules, ethics, and procedure is what distinguishes a Senator,” the petition read. “By acting uncontrollable, unruly, and disrespectful, Senator Natasha has brought disrepute to the image of the Senate.”
The petitioners called for disciplinary action against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, demanding she produce evidence to substantiate her claims within seven days, publicly apologize, and provide compensation for the alleged emotional distress caused to Akpabio’s supporters.
“We refuse to tolerate untruthful accusations without evidence,” the petition concluded. “The Senate must uphold its integrity, and offenders must face the consequences of their actions.”
As public opinion remains sharply divided, the unfolding saga raises broader questions about power dynamics, gender politics, and accountability within Nigeria’s legislative process. While supporters of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan view her as a fearless voice challenging entrenched systems, critics argue that her approach risks undermining the Senate’s integrity.
The coming days will reveal whether the Senate launches a formal investigation or if both sides find common ground to de-escalate the conflict. For now, the Nigerian public watches closely, anticipating the next chapter in this high-stakes political drama.
