Women groups across the six states of the Niger Delta region have strongly criticized the Senator representing Kogi Central, Barr. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, for allegedly disrespecting the Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio.
The confrontation, which stemmed from a disagreement over seating arrangements, at the plenary session on Thursday, saw Akpoti-Uduaghan openly challenge the Senate President.
At the peak of the altercation, she reportedly told Akpabio, “I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege.”
In response, Akpabio directed the Senate security to remove her from the chamber, though fellow lawmakers intervened to de-escalate the situation.
Reacting to the incident, a coalition of Niger Delta women groups, led by Comr. Alice Omo-Ovie, condemned Akpoti-Uduaghan’s conduct, describing it as a “disgraceful and gutter attitude.”
The women insisted that such behavior was unacceptable, particularly towards Akpabio, whom they referred to as a “father and leader” of the region.
“The women of the Niger Delta will not accept this open display of disrespect towards our own, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio,” Omo-Ovie stated.
The women also dismissed reports circulating in some media platforms that suggested allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President, calling such claims “frivolous, false, and a ploy to divert attention from the real issue.”
Similarly, Mrs. Faith Adaga Timiseite, President of the Niger Delta Women for Tinubu, cautioned Akpoti-Uduaghan against making statements that could damage her reputation.
“Senator Godswill Akpabio has demonstrated charismatic leadership and built a strong legacy in the Niger Delta.
“Natasha and her sponsors should retrace their steps, apologize, and allow the matter to rest,” Timiseite said.
She further warned that if the controversy continued, “investigative digging may lead to shattered images and broken marriages.”
