BREAKING: “This Isn’t A Reality Show!” – Akpabio Slams Senator Natasha, Demands Apology

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to publicly apologise, stating that the Senate is not a “reality show” and that her recent actions were irresponsible.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended for six months, attempted to return to plenary twice, claiming a Federal High Court ruling had overturned her suspension. However, her appeal to the Court of Appeal reportedly contradicts this claim.

According to a statement issued Monday by Akpabio’s aide, Kenny Okolugbo, Ground 23 of her appeal in the case Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly & Ors suggests the trial judge never explicitly nullified the suspension, contrary to her public assertions.

Okolugbo criticized the senator’s arrival at the National Assembly on July 22 with cameras and supporters, calling it a “media stunt” and “stage-managed invasion.” He stressed that no official court directive was received by the Senate leadership regarding her reinstatement.

“The Senate is not a reality show. You don’t force your way into a constitutionally regulated chamber,” Okolugbo said.

He further explained that if the court had indeed ordered her return, the proper Senate procedure would have followed, beginning with communication from the Clerk and deliberation by the leadership.

Okolugbo added that the suspension followed due process under Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution and the Senate’s Standing Orders. He revealed that a public apology would have sufficed to lift the suspension, noting that even the Brekete Family advised her to do so — but she refused.

Despite her absence, Okolugbo said, legislative efforts in Kogi Central continued, including progress on her bill to establish a Federal Medical Centre in Ihima.

He warned that such conduct could negatively impact women’s political participation, adding, “When one weaponises gender and distorts the truth, it undermines real struggles and damages credibility.”