Senate President Godswill Akpabio has accused Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of distorting and misrepresenting facts following her appearance at the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Conference in New York on Tuesday.
Speaking after receiving a vote of confidence from his colleagues in the Senate, the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, who has faced accusations of sexual harassment from the suspended Senator representing Kogi Central District, criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan for embarrassing Nigeria on the international stage.
He stated that her actions could further strain the selection and appointment of women to vice presidential, deputy, and representative positions in the country.
Akpabio said, “I am aware that she distorted the facts and globalized the matter, embarrassing the Senate by presenting a different narrative. I appreciate Hon. Kafilat for clarifying to the international media that what was presented was completely different from reality.”
He further noted that Senator Natasha failed to wait for the Senate’s response regarding the petition she submitted, as well as the ongoing lawsuit, before taking her case to an international audience.
“She brought the matter before the Senate through a petition but did not allow us to examine it. Instead, she escalated it to court and later to the international community. Actions like these could discourage politicians from appointing women to key positions.”
“I thank you all for this vote of confidence. Let us stay focused and avoid unnecessary distractions,” he concluded.
Recall that Senator Natasha was suspended last week for misconduct following a heated argument over a seating arrangement dispute.
