I survived the recall – Natasha speaks on suspension

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central hasdescribed her ordeal in the National Assembly as a test of resilience,declaring that neither political blackmail nor intimidation could silence her. Speaking on Tuesday after the reopening of her office, thelawmaker reflected on what she called “six months of survival,” noting that sheand her supporters endured an unjust suspension, a recall attempt, and severalacts of intimidation. “We survived the recall. We survived the blockade of roadsand waterways to Kogi that forced us to fly in by helicopter. We survived theblackmail from a so-called woman on Facebook. It’s amazing what we had to gothrough,” she said. Natasha expressed gratitude to her constituents in KogiCentral, her family, and Nigerians who stood by her during the standoff. Shespecifically praised her husband for his support, saying, “I pray all mensupport their wives as much as you have supported me.” The senator accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio oftreating her as a subordinate rather than an elected colleague, describing theleadership style in the National Assembly as “dictatorial and unacceptable.” “Senator Akpabio is not more of a senator than I am. He isnot the governor of this place, yet he treated me as if I were his servant or adomestic staff in his house,” she stated. Natasha maintained that despite her suspension, shecontinued to work for her people by seeking infrastructure, projects, and jobsto cushion the impact of the political crisis. She went on to thank political leaders, civil societygroups, professional associations, and opposition parties who voiced supportduring her suspension, including Atiku Abubakar, Bukola Saraki, the LabourParty, ADC, PDP, the Nigerian Bar Association, and the Nigeria Labour Congress. According to her, the combined pressure from Nigeriansforced the Senate leadership to soften its stance.

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