The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has hinted at his intention to prevent Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, from returning to the Senate unless she openly apologises to him.
It will be recalled that Natasha alleged Akpabio of sexual assault, leading to the Senate suspending her for six months.
Akpabio emphasised that Natasha’s attitude would determine whether she would be allowed back or not.
Akpabio made this remark while responding to the position of a former Senate President, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, regarding the withdrawal of security aides assigned to Natasha, who remains a bona fide member of the Senate despite being on suspension.
Lawan pointed out to Akpabio: “I want to believe that you still feel we are one. I believe the withdrawal of security and aides at this moment from a senator is not the best way to go. We should not set a precedent where, whenever something happens to a member of the National Assembly, security agencies withdraw their protection. This could create problems in the future. This is a suspended senator, not someone who ceases to be a senator.”
Responding in a jocular manner, Akpabio stated: “If your security is provided to you as a senator, there would be no reason for them to remain with you when you are no longer a senator. If you are not the Senate President, you can’t sit in the car of the Senate President. We have started a journey now, and the journey depends on your attitude.”
