Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP) Kogi Central
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has insisted that the Senate Ethics and Disciplinary Committee must conduct its probe of her case in a transparent manner, calling for a live broadcast of the proceedings.
She argued that Nigerians have a right to witness the process firsthand.
The lawmaker was referred to the committee after a recent altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over a seating arrangement.
While expressing her willingness to appear before the panel, she strongly opposed any attempt to handle the matter behind closed doors.
In a statement posted on her Facebook page on Thursday, Akpoti-Uduaghan revealed that she had previously chosen not to speak publicly about the issue and other developments within the Senate under Akpabio’s leadership but had now decided to break her silence.
“This petition came to my notice a few hours ago. In as much as I have refrained from publicly speaking on the matter and other occurrences in the Senate under President Akpabio, it’s time to break my silence,” she wrote.
The senator encouraged Nigerians to stay engaged with the proceedings, reaffirming her stance on transparency.
“Arise News, set a date, and I shall be in your studio in person. Spare no questions,” she added.
“And to Nigerians, please be sure to join the probe, which I shall insist must be covered live. The next few days and weeks shall be interesting but will shape the standard and quality of Nigeria’s leadership.”
Her demand has fueled public interest in the Senate’s internal processes, particularly in cases involving prominent lawmakers.
Many observers believe that a live broadcast would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to assess the fairness and credibility of the probe.
Political analysts suggest that how the Senate handles this case could set a precedent for legislative transparency in Nigeria.
As of now, the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee has not responded to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s request for a public hearing.
The coming days will reveal whether the Senate will grant her demand or uphold its usual closed-door approach.
