Founder of the Anap Foundation, Atedo Peterside has condemned the six-month suspension of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, by the Senate, calling it disrespectful to her constituents.
In a post on X on Sunday, Peterside, also the founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, expressed his concern over the suspension, labeling it “disturbing.” He stated, “The most disturbing aspect of the Nigerian Senate hullabaloo around Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is that the Senate Leadership must be aware that her suspension for six months is ultra vires and disrespectful to her constituents in Kogi State, but they don’t care.” Peterside pledged his support for the female lawmaker amid her ordeal.
The ongoing feud between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan came to a head on Thursday, March 6, 2025, when the Senate suspended the Kogi Central Senator. Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office following a dispute over seat arrangements on February 20, 2025. Akpabio denied the allegations of sexual harassment.
In retaliation, the Kogi Senator filed a N100 billion defamation lawsuit against the Senate President, while the Akpabio-led Senate referred her case to the Senate disciplinary committee.
In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan sought a restraining order from the Federal High Court in Abuja, which prohibited the Senate committee from proceeding with disciplinary actions against her. The case has been adjourned until March 10, 2025.
