Opposition senators visit suspended Natasha Akpoti, vow swift resolution

A delegation of opposition senators visited suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, at her home on Friday, pledging to push for a quick resolution of her suspension.

Led by former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, the delegation aimed to show solidarity with their colleague.

Dickson, a member of the Senate Ethics and Privileges Committee that recommended her suspension, shared photos of the visit on social media, clarifying that he was absent during the proceedings that led to her suspension.

“The public may recall that, for the past three days, I was attending a workshop on the Tax Reform Bills, which commenced on Wednesday, March 5, and concluded on Friday, March 7,” Dickson stated.

“This is why I was not available yesterday to sit as a member of the Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, Privileges, and Public Petitions regarding the issues concerning our colleague, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.

I was assured by the Committee Chairman that the hearing would hold on Wednesday, March 11, for which notices had already been issued. I was not notified of the emergency seating yesterday.”

Following the retreat’s conclusion, Dickson led opposition senators to visit Akpoti-Uduaghan and her husband, extending their support.

“As humans, we all have our high and low moments, and it is a tradition for Senators to support each other during these times,” Dickson said.

“We offered words of encouragement, prayers, and advice on a quick resolution of the issues surrounding her suspension.”

He added that after hearing more from Akpoti-Uduaghan and her husband, he would engage fellow lawmakers and the Senate leadership to seek an amicable resolution.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on Thursday for six months after rejecting a reassigned seat in the Senate chamber.

The dispute escalated when she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, sparking widespread debate.

Women’s rights groups and civil society organizations have condemned the suspension, viewing it as an attempt to silence her.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also criticized the decision, calling it a politically motivated cover-up by Akpabio.

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