Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has raised concerns over what she describes as ongoing marginalisation within the Senate, following her reported exclusion from the Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission.
The senator discovered her name missing from the official attendance list when she arrived to participate in a committee meeting, prompting her to seek clarification from the committee clerk. She was informed that the clerk was in the office of the committee chairman, Senator Titus Tartenger Zam, leading her to proceed there directly.
Tensions reportedly escalated during the interaction.
Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed the chairman indicated that her exclusion was based on instructions from “higher authorities,” though no specific details were provided.
“This incident is part of a recurring pattern of marginalisation. All senators are constitutionally equal in status, authority, and mandate,” she said.
The lawmaker also expressed concern over procedural and constitutional irregularities, noting that the committee’s work directly affects states in her geopolitical zone.
“I was excluded from a committee handling matters central to the North Central region. This is unacceptable and undermines my electoral mandate,” Akpoti-Uduaghan stated.
In a statement shared by her media aide, Mike Idoko, the senator added that the situation worsened when aides attached to the committee chairman confronted members of her media team.
“Approximately six aides, including the chairman’s secretary, seized my cinematographer’s phone and engaged in verbal hostility. This is unacceptable,” she said.
Reaffirming her commitment to fairness and institutional integrity, Akpoti-Uduaghan vowed to continue advocating for equitable treatment in the Senate.
“I will continue to stand for the rights of my constituents and ensure that all senators are treated equally in legislative matters,” she concluded.
