By Akinwale Kasali
Kogi Central Women seek her replacement
The call for the replacement and recall of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has intensified. A Group under the auspices of Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders has announced its decision to proceed with her recall process from the Senate.
The Group said the move is based on the negative image her dispute with Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has cast on the Constituency.
Jafar Aliu Kamaldeen, the Group’s Spokesperson stated: “We, the Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders, have been observing the ongoing developments involving our senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Nigerian Senate, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
“A review of events leading to her suspension for gross misconduct and unruly behavior has raised concerns about whether she is truly protecting the interests of the people of Kogi Central.”
The group further emphasized that the National Assembly is an esteemed institution with rules meant to preserve its integrity.
They supported the Senate’s six-month suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, following the recommendation of the Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions Committee, arguing that she flouted the chamber’s regulations.
It expressed disappointment that despite the Senate’s offer to reconsider the suspension if she tendered a written apology, she has refused to do so.
“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has clearly failed to prioritize the collective interest of Kogi Central. Her refusal to apologize means our voices will be silenced in the Senate for six legislative months, equivalent to twelve calendar months.”
They also criticized her appearance at the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting, where she framed her suspension as a result of sexual harassment allegations. The group claimed this move misrepresented the issue on a global stage instead of seeking redress through internal Senate mechanisms or the courts.
The Group lamented that since her suspension, she has failed to communicate with her constituents or hold a town hall meeting, despite actively engaging voters when campaigning.
It stated that it was due to her inaction and perceived abandonment of her constituents, the group announced the launch of the recall process: “Since she has refused to apologize and left us without representation, we, the people of Kogi Central, have resolved to commence the process of recalling Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. This will allow us to elect a responsible, law-abiding representative in the Senate.”
However, the Kogi Central Women Development Association formally denounced her as their senator and called for mobilization to ensure her recall.
“We demand an apology from her. We will mobilize other groups in Kogi Central to initiate the recall process. It is time for us to elect a representative who is people-centered, law-abiding, and free from unnecessary drama.”
The Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders and Kogi Central Women Development Association have both criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing her failure to engage her constituents and mishandling of her suspension.
They have formally launched a recall process, seeking a new senator to replace her.
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