Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has described her ordeal in the National Assembly as a test of resilience, declaring that neither political blackmail nor intimidation could silence her.
Speaking on Tuesday after the reopening of her office, the lawmaker reflected on what she called “six months of survival,” noting that she and her supporters endured an unjust suspension, a recall attempt, and several acts of intimidation.
“We survived the recall. We survived the blockade of roads and waterways to Kogi that forced us to fly in by helicopter. We survived the blackmail from a so-called woman on Facebook. It’s amazing what we had to go through,” she said.
Natasha expressed gratitude to her constituents in Kogi Central, her family, and Nigerians who stood by her during the standoff. She specifically praised her husband for his support, saying, “I pray all men support their wives as much as you have supported me.”
The senator accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of treating her as a subordinate rather than an elected colleague, describing the leadership style in the National Assembly as “dictatorial and unacceptable.”
“Senator Akpabio is not more of a senator than I am. He is not the governor of this place, yet he treated me as if I were his servant or a domestic staff in his house,” she stated.
Natasha maintained that despite her suspension, she continued to work for her people by seeking infrastructure, projects, and jobs to cushion the impact of the political crisis.
She went on to thank political leaders, civil society groups, professional associations, and opposition parties who voiced support during her suspension, including Atiku Abubakar, Bukola Saraki, the Labour Party, ADC, PDP, the Nigerian Bar Association, and the Nigeria Labour Congress.
According to her, the combined pressure from Nigerians forced the Senate leadership to soften its stance.
