Breaking: Natasha, husband arrive Senate amidst seat controversy

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, arrived at the Senate chamber on Wednesday, accompanied by her husband, as plenary resumed following a one-week recess.

In a brief but affectionate moment, her husband kissed her before she proceeded into the chamber to take her newly assigned seat, which has been at the center of an intense dispute.

The controversy surrounding the seat has fueled tensions in the Senate, especially after Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. Akpabio has strongly denied the allegations, dismissing them as baseless. However, the claims have sparked fresh debates on conduct and gender rights within the legislative body.

Despite the ongoing controversy, Senator Natasha took her seat, signaling her readiness to continue legislative duties. Meanwhile, outside the National Assembly, a group of protesters rallied in her support as the Senate Committee on Ethics prepared to probe her alleged refusal to comply with Senate rules.

The committee, led by Senator Neda Imaseun, is expected to investigate the matter, even as security operatives fired tear gas to disperse the demonstrators. Undeterred, the protesters regrouped, accusing Akpabio of attempting to silence and malign women in politics.

They also called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, insisting that the allegations against the Senate President go beyond politics and should be treated as a human rights issue.