By Prosper Meneย
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has emphasized that her recent invitation to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and fellow lawmakers for a project inauguration in her constituency was strictly a matter of legislative protocol, not a personal overture amid their past tensions.
The clarification comes just days after Akpabio publicly read Akpoti-Uduaghan’s letter during Thursday’s Senate plenary session, extending an invitation to her colleagues to join the commissioning of several constituency projects in Kogi State. The event, timed to coincide with her second anniversary as a senator, was framed in the letter as an opportunity to showcase “what the Lord has done in my life” through public service initiatives.
However, the gesture quickly sparked online chatter and media interpretations suggesting it was an attempt at reconciliation, especially given the senator’s rocky history with Akpabio. Their clashes date back to February 20, when a heated exchange over chamber seating arrangements escalated into a broader confrontation, and more recently on October 22, during debates over amendments to the Criminal Code Bill. Akpoti-Uduaghan was also suspended earlier this year before her reinstatement in August, with ongoing court cases related to her election victory still pending.
Taking to her social media platforms, Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed the rumors with a mix of frustration and resolve. “Announcement by protocol don turn to ‘Olive Branch, Reconciliation’. If I didnโt invite you all to โsee what the Lord has done in my lifeโ, youโd say Iโm ignoring the institution,” she posted cryptically, underscoring the no-win scenario she faced.
In a detailed statement, the senator elaborated that the invitation adhered to standard National Assembly practices: routing the letter through the presiding officer for official reading on the floor. “Today, as is customary for announcements of this nature, I submitted my letter through the presiding officer for the Senate President to read on the floor,” she explained. “This is not about personal recognition but about celebrating the achievements of public service.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan, known for her advocacy on women’s rights and community development, stressed her commitment to institutional norms despite personal and legal hurdles. “Iโm a progressive person. Even with ongoing court cases, I continue to carry out my duties in the chamber and follow proper procedures,” she affirmed, positioning the event as a testament to collaborative governance rather than rivalry.
The projects slated for inauguration include infrastructure and social initiatives aimed at bolstering Kogi Central’s development, reflecting Akpoti-Uduaghan’s focus on tangible deliverables for her constituents. Her approach, she noted, avoids the isolation of solo celebrations while upholding due process, a nod to the collegial ethos of the Senate.
Political observers see this as a mature pivot from confrontation to cooperation, though Akpoti-Uduaghan’s words leave little room for misinterpretation: protocol first, personalities second.
The event is scheduled for the coming weeks in Kogi State, with invitations open to all senators as a gesture of inclusivity. Whether Akpabio attends remains to be seen, but for now, Akpoti-Uduaghan has reclaimed the narrative on her terms.
