By Ebi Kesiena
A political pressure group, Action Collective, has urged the President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to directly respond to allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central, who claimed she was denied the opportunity to speak on the Senate floor.
In a statement released on Sunday, 30 March 2025, and signed by its National Coordinator, Mr Teddy Onyejuwe, Action Collective criticised what it described as attempts to divert attention from the core issue. The group emphasised that Nigerians and the international community are closely watching the matter.
“The claim by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan that she was silenced on the Senate floor is deeply troubling. Any attempt to stifle a female legislator’s voice would set a dangerous precedent,” Onyejuwe stated, adding that the Senate President must provide a clear response rather than using his position to suppress dissenting voices.
Action Collective further called on the Senate leadership to ensure transparency and fairness in handling the issue, warning that failing to address the concerns could damage the institution’s credibility. The group urged rights organisations, civil society groups, and international observers to stay vigilant and demand accountability from the country’s legislative leadership.
As public scrutiny intensifies, the case has stirred tension within the Senate, with mounting calls for fairness and clarity. Action Collective stressed that the matter goes beyond politics, highlighting its implications for Nigeria’s commitment to justice, gender equality, and the integrity of the Senate.
