There was mild tension in the senate on Monday when Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, raised concerns over her alleged omission from the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) committee.
Akpoti-Uduaghan attended the committee meeting ready to take part in the deliberations but realised that her name did not appear on the official attendance register.
She then approached the committee clerk for clarification and was told that he was in the office of Titus Zam, chairman of the committee. The senator subsequently went to Zam’s office where, during their discussion, she alleged that he said his actions were based on “instructions from higher authorities” without offering additional explanation.
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Akpoti-Uduaghan characterised the situation as “part of a recurring pattern of marginalisation”, stressing that all senators are constitutionally equal in status, authority, and mandate.
She also challenged the procedural and constitutional grounds for her exclusion from a committee whose responsibilities directly concern the north-central geopolitical zone.
“I will not watch any senator here undermine my people. I will not have that,” the senator said in a viral video.
“No senator here is worth more than my people. I will not tolerate that. I will not be undermined. It will never happen. I will not be treated like a second-class citizen.”
The lawmaker further claimed that the situation intensified when aides attached to the committee chairman confronted members of her media team.
She alleged that about six aides, including the chairman’s secretary, confiscated her cinematographer’s phone and engaged in verbal hostility, describing the incident as unacceptable.
Akpoti-Uduaghan reiterated her dedication to fairness and institutional integrity, maintaining that her stance was anchored in respect for the electoral mandate given to her by the people of Kogi central.
Click the link to watch the video.