The senator representing Kogi central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, says her invitation to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other lawmakers for the commissioning of projects in Kogi was in line with legislative procedure.
CEOAFRICA had on Thursday reported that Akpoti-Uduaghan invited Akpabio and other lawmakers to attend a project commissioning event in her state — two months after returning from suspension.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who marks her second year in office this week, said she wrote to the senate through the presiding officer for the letter to be read on the floor in keeping with parliamentary custom.
“Today, as is customary for announcements of such nature, I wrote a letter to the Senate through the presiding officer to the Senate President to read on the floor,” she said in a statement.
“I put out the invitation so it wouldn’t seem like I was celebrating in isolation. I’m a progressive person. Even with ongoing court cases, I continue to carry out my duties in the chamber and follow proper procedures.”
The lawmaker added that her decision reflected her commitment to due process and institutional respect, noting that her celebration of achievements and project inaugurations was about public service, not personal recognition.
On February 20, Akpoti-Uduaghan engaged Akpabio in a heated debate over seating arrangements in the upper legislative chamber.
She later accused Akpabio of sexual harassment — a claim the senate president denied.
On March 6, the senate suspended her for six months following the adoption of the report by the committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions.
Since her return to the legislative chamber on September 24 after serving the suspension, the senator has gradually re-engaged in legislative activities.
On October 18, she attended a legislative retreat organised by the ministry of solid minerals development.
On Thursday, Akpoti-Uduaghan sponsored a bill seeking to establish a National Centre for Autism and six zonal centres across Nigeria to promote early diagnosis, research, education, and care for persons with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
