Akpabio Treated Me Like His Domestic Staff – Sen. Natasha

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has again slamed the leadership of the National Assembly, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of running the legislative arm like a dictatorship and treating fellow senators with disdain.

While addressing reporters on Tuesday, September 23, after the unsealing of her office, Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, condemned what she described as her illegal suspension from the Senate and called for continued public scrutiny of democratic institutions.

“Sometimes, it’s good to put institutions to the test,” she said.

“We can’t cower in the face of injustice. No one is more Nigerian than we are. Senator Akpabio is not more of a senator than I am—he’s not the governor of this place. Yet, he treated me as if I were his servant or a domestic staff in his house.”

The senator lamented the current state of democratic governance in the country, noting, “It’s very unfortunate that at this point, after so many years of democracy, we have a National Assembly being run like a dictatorship. It’s totally unacceptable.”

Despite her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she remained committed to serving her constituents and never relented in her duties.

“Not a single day went by without me carrying out my duties effectively as the senator representing Kogi Central,” she said. “Every day, I looked for opportunities—whether in infrastructure, projects, or jobs—to support my people. I didn’t want them to suffer from the neglect and vacuum created by this injustice.”

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She went on to express gratitude to the many Nigerians, civil society leaders, political parties, and institutions who stood by her during her suspension.

“I want to thank people like Auntie Obi, Sister Aisha, Mama P, , and so many others. To Yemi of ‘Enough is Enough,’ Uncle Sammy, Falana, Nigerians everywhere—thank you. I’ve read your posts. His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, His Excellency Saraki, and many others who lent their voices—thank you.”

She also acknowledged the solidarity shown by political parties such as the Labour Party, ADC, and her own party, the PDP, as well as organizations like the Nigerian Bar Association and the Nigerian Labour Congress.

“I believe public pressure played a major role and made the Senate President realize he could no longer go against the will of the people,” she said.

Turning to the media, Akpoti-Uduaghan commended journalists for their fairness, while also acknowledging the challenges they face.

“I understand that a few months ago, there was a silence. Intimidation is real. You have families to care for, and sadly, we live in a country today where life often seems to mean very little. I don’t blame you.”

She however concluded saying: “I want to tell Nigerians: the future is bright. We cannot give up hope. Our democracy is evolving, and I believe that, every day as we move toward 2027, we will take meaningful actions. Patriotically, we have a country to save.”