There was mild drama at the National Assembly on Monday as the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, raised strong allegation over what she described as her continued marginalization within the Senate.
The controversy centres on her alleged omission from the Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission, a committee whose work directly affects states in her geopolitical zone. Committee memberships in the 10th National Assembly are considered highly influential, as they provide lawmakers with platforms for oversight, legislative input and constituency representation.
Trouble reportedly began when Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at a scheduled committee meeting, prepared to participate, only to discover that her name was not listed among official members. Surprised by the development, she approached the committee clerk for clarification but was told the clerk was in the office of the committee chairman, Titus Tartenger Zam.
She then proceeded to the chairman’s office to seek an explanation. Sources said the exchange that followed became tense, with the Kogi lawmaker alleging that the chairman indicated he was acting on directives from unnamed higher authorities. No further details were reportedly given.
Speaking on the incident, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the development as part of what she called a “recurring pattern of marginalisation” against her.
“This incident is part of a recurring pattern of marginalisation. All senators are constitutionally equal in status, authority, and mandate,” she stated.
She questioned the procedural and constitutional grounds for her exclusion from a committee responsible for matters affecting the North Central region, arguing that her constituents deserve proper representation in decisions impacting their zone.
In a statement issued later in Abuja through her media aide, Mike Idoko, the senator also alleged that tensions escalated when aides attached to the committee chairman confronted members of her media team.
According to her, about six aides including the chairman’s secretary allegedly seized her cinematographer’s phone and engaged in verbal hostility.
“This is unacceptable,” she said, condemning what she described as intimidation.
Reaffirming her commitment to fairness and institutional integrity, the lawmaker maintained that her actions were guided by the mandate given to her by the people of Kogi Central. She vowed to continue speaking out whenever she believes legislative rights are being undermined.
The development has further drawn attention to internal dynamics within the Senate and the growing scrutiny surrounding committee appointments in the current Assembly.
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