Her stance follows a recent confrontation with Akpabio over a seating arrangement issue in the Senate chambers. Despite being summoned by the committee, Akpoti-Uduaghan has insisted that the proceedings must be open to the public, calling for a live broadcast to ensure transparency.
In a post on her Instagram page, the senator addressed her constituents and Nigerians, signaling her intention to break her silence on key issues within the Senate.
“Good morning, courageous people of Kogi Central, Kogi State, and Nigeria. I have held back from speaking publicly about the incidents and certain developments in the Senate under President Akpabio, but it is now time to break my silence,” she wrote.
She further invited news outlets, particularly Arise News, to host her for an open discussion, encouraging Nigerians to follow the probe closely.
“I shall insist that the probe be covered live. The coming days and weeks will be revealing, and they will set a new standard for leadership in Nigeria,” she added.
Her comments came after the Northern Youths Advocacy for Excellence submitted a petition against her to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
The petition accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of corruption, abuse of power, and improper treatment of staff within the Senate Committee on Local Content, which she chairs. The group urged the committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation into what they described as her “illegal, subversive, and intimidating activities,” while recommending disciplinary action if necessary.
However, Akpoti-Uduaghan has strongly denied any wrongdoing, reiterating her commitment to transparency. She has vowed to address both the allegations against her and broader concerns regarding the leadership of the Senate.
The tension between the Kogi senator and the Senate President escalated last week after she confronted Akpabio over the relocation of her seat in the Senate chambers. The exchange turned heated, prompting Akpabio to direct security personnel to remove her from the chambers.
Other senators intervened, preventing further escalation. However, in response to the incident, the Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions, stating that the Senate is a place for legislative business, not entertainment.
On Tuesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan took legal action, filing a N100.3 billion defamation lawsuit against Akpabio and others. She maintains that her stance is about accountability and ensuring that the Senate operates with integrity and fairness.
As tensions continue to rise, Nigerians are closely watching how the situation unfolds, particularly with Akpoti-Uduaghan’s insistence on public transparency in addressing the allegations and Senate affairs.
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