The Northern Progressives Movement for Good Governance (NPMGG) has expressed deep concern over the ongoing controversy in the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, particularly regarding the actions of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central.
In a statement sent to journalists on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, the organization condemned Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s behaviour during a recent plenary session.
The statement was signed by Lukeman Datijjo, Esq., National Publicity Secretary, on behalf of several Northern organizations, including the Arewa Mandate Forum, North Central Youth Alliance, Middlebelt Youth Leaders Movement, and others.
Part of the statement read: “We strongly condemn Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s unethical conduct during last Thursday’s plenary session. Her actions on the Senate floor not only violated the principles of decorum and legislative ethics but also undermined the integrity of leadership, particularly the dignity expected of women in governance.
“As an organization representing the nineteen Northern States, where women’s political participation is still evolving, we take immense pride in seeing more Northern women rise to leadership positions and break longstanding barriers. ‘
“However, we do not support or condone any woman in leadership who disregards the values of discipline, respect, and decorum in public service.
“We maintain that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s conduct does not reflect the true strength and resilience of Northern women in leadership. Instead, it has done a disservice to the cause of female political representation.
“Her actions have tarnished the legacy of distinguished Northern women senators such as Zainab Abdulkadir Kure, Nenadi Usman, Grace Bent, and others, who were known for their productive contributions and decorum in the National Assembly.
“Rather than submitting herself to the Senate disciplinary process, we find it appalling that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has resorted to making baseless allegations of sexual harassment against the President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio. This appears to be a deliberate attempt to distract the public from her unethical conduct and evade accountability.”
The groups alleged that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has a history of controversy and manipulation, “and continues to weaponize her gender against individuals and institutions.”
“In just five years, and despite being married, she has made repeated, unfounded allegations of sexual harassment against several prominent Nigerians, including former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, Senator Dino Melaye, Reno Omokri, former minister and many others.
“These persistent accusations raise serious questions about her credibility. Why is it that Senator Natasha is seemingly always embroiled in a dispute, whether in her family, community, state or at the national level?
“And why does she always resort to claims of sexual harassment as a defence mechanism? These patterns suggest a deliberate and calculated strategy to manipulate public perception and evade scrutiny.
“We, therefore, urge the Nigerian public to take her latest allegations against the President of the Senate with a pinch of salt and dismiss them as fabrications designed to mislead the public.
“Nigerians must demand that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan submit herself to the Senate disciplinary process instead of hiding behind false allegations to escape accountability,” the group stated.
The NPMGG further urged all well-meaning Nigerians to call for a swift resolution to this matter.
“We urge the National Assembly, particularly the Ethics, Privileges, and Disciplinary Committee, to conduct a transparent, thorough, and unbiased investigation into Senator Natasha’s misconduct, ensuring that due process is followed without fear, favouritism, or external interference.
“The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a sacred institution that upholds the laws of the country. It is too important to be undermined by the reckless actions of one individual.
“All patriotic Nigerians and defenders of democracy must work collectively to protect the integrity of the Senate and ensure that no lawmaker, regardless of gender or status, is allowed to subvert its sanctity and history without consequences.
“We further call on the leadership and members of the National Assembly to always uphold the highest ethical standards, display exemplary conduct, and prioritize integrity, discipline, and moral rectitude in their service to the nation.
“These qualities are indispensable for good governance but, unfortunately, appear to be in serious deficit due to the unethical conduct of a certain member,” the statement concluded.
