Youth group asks Natasha Akpoti to apologise to senate, says saga needless

The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders has asked Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, to apologise to the senate and Godswill Akpabio, its presiding officer. 

The coalition, which comprises various youth groups across the country, made the appeal during a press conference on Saturday in Abuja to mark the 2025 International Women’s Day.

BACKGROUND

On February 28, Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi central, accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and subsequently submitted a petition against the senate president.

The allegation was preceded by an altercation between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio at the upper legislative chamber on February 20 over seating arrangement.

The Kogi senator disrupted the plenary by rejecting her assigned seat, defying Akpabio’s order, and repeatedly raising a point of order despite being overruled

Subsequently, the senate referred Akpoti-Uduaghan to the committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions for disciplinary review.

The senate suspended the Kogi senator on March 6 following the adoption of a report by the committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions.

On Wednesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan had ignored the invitation from the committee probing her outburst against the senate president. 

‘SEEK RECONCILIATION’

Speaking on behalf of the group, Victor Thompson of the Niger Delta Youths and Salisu Pawa of the Northern Nigeria Peoples Congress, described the saga as unnecessary.

According to the group, the issues that led to her suspension had drawn unnecessary attention to the national assembly.

The coalition said rather than escalating tensions, the senator should seek reconciliation and maintain the dignity of the legislative institution.

The group asked the senate to maintain discipline within its ranks by ensuring that lawmakers abide by the rules and uphold the integrity of the legislative process.

The youth leaders called for periodic orientation programmes for senators to foster mutual respect and professionalism in the red chamber.

“Most importantly, we must stand by Nigerian women by encouraging noble and honourable women to participate in politics and take up leadership positions in the country, especially the legislature,” Thompson said.

On calls for Akpabio’s resignation, the group warned against hasty conclusions, harping on the need for due process and fairness in addressing allegations within the legislature.