Natasha Protests Alleged Exclusion from North Central Committee

Tensions rose at the National Assembly on Monday after Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan openly challenged her alleged exclusion from the Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission, describing the development as part of a broader pattern of marginalization against her within the legislative chamber.

The Kogi Central lawmaker raised the protest after arriving at a committee meeting expecting to participate in its proceedings, only to discover that her name was not included on the official attendance list. The omission, she said, was both surprising and troubling, especially given the committee’s direct relevance to the North Central region she represents.

Committee memberships in the National Assembly are widely regarded as powerful platforms that shape legislative influence, oversight responsibilities, and constituency advocacy. Being excluded from such a committee, particularly one tied to a senator’s geopolitical zone, carries both political and institutional implications.

Confrontation unfolds after senator seeks explanation

Following the discovery, Akpoti-Uduaghan immediately sought clarification from the committee clerk to understand why her name had been omitted. However, she was informed that the clerk was unavailable and was instead in the office of the committee chairman, Senator Titus Zam.

Determined to get answers, the senator proceeded to the chairman’s office, where tensions reportedly escalated during their interaction. According to her account, the chairman suggested that his actions were based on directives from higher authorities, although no specific explanation or justification was provided.

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The lack of transparency surrounding the decision further deepened her concerns, reinforcing her belief that the exclusion was neither procedural nor accidental. For a serving senator, exclusion from a committee tied to her region raises serious questions about fairness, representation, and internal Senate dynamics.

Senator alleges recurring marginalization, questions legality of exclusion

Reacting to the incident, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the situation as part of a sustained effort to sideline her within the Senate. She stressed that all senators are equal under the law and should be accorded equal rights and opportunities to participate in legislative processes.

“This incident is part of a recurring pattern of marginalisation. All senators are constitutionally equal in status, authority, and mandate,” she said.

She also questioned the legal and procedural basis for excluding her from a committee whose mandate directly affects the North Central geopolitical zone. As a representative of Kogi Central, she argued, her participation should be considered essential rather than optional.

The controversy highlights the influence committee assignments wield in shaping legislative power and political relevance within the National Assembly. Exclusion from key committees can limit a lawmaker’s ability to contribute meaningfully to policymaking and constituency development.

Media confrontation further intensifies controversy

The situation took another turn when Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that aides attached to the committee chairman confronted members of her media team during the incident. In a statement released through her media aide, Mike Idoko, she claimed that tensions escalated beyond verbal exchanges.

“Approximately six aides, including the chairman’s secretary, seized my cinematographer’s phone and engaged in verbal hostility. This is unacceptable,” she said.

The allegation introduces an additional layer to the dispute, raising concerns about press freedom, transparency, and the treatment of media personnel within legislative environments.

Senator vows to continue advocacy despite controversy

Despite the confrontation, Akpoti-Uduaghan reaffirmed her commitment to defending her legislative rights and ensuring fair treatment within the Senate. She emphasised that her mandate comes from the people of Kogi Central and that she remains accountable to them above all else.

She pledged to continue speaking out against any actions that undermine institutional integrity or limit her ability to perform her legislative duties. The dispute also reflects broader tensions within the 10th National Assembly, where committee placements remain a key instrument of political influence and internal power balancing.

As the controversy unfolds, attention is likely to remain on Senate leadership and whether any clarification or resolution will be offered regarding her exclusion.