Akpabio: Group faults Natasha, urges focus on legislative duties

The Citizens Network for Peace and Development in Nigeria has called on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to focus on her legislative responsibilities and desist from actions that may distract the Senate and the Nigerian people.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Chief (Barr.) Francis Okereke Wainwei, the group accused the Kogi Central senator of engaging in disruptive activities rather than prioritizing the interests of her constituents.

According to the statement, Senator Natasha’s recent conduct in the Senate chamber was deemed unruly, raising concerns about her commitment to her primary duties of lawmaking, oversight, and representation. 

The group acknowledged her constitutional right to speak against perceived oppression but insisted that such must be done with decorum and in line with parliamentary procedures.

The controversy surrounding a recent change in Senate seating arrangements, which affected multiple senators, was cited as an example of what the group described as “unnecessary distractions.” It criticized Senator Natasha for allegedly turning a routine adjustment into a major controversy instead of channeling her energy into sponsoring bills that would benefit Nigerians.

The group also addressed her removal as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content, stating that her inefficiency and lack of requisite knowledge led to her replacement. It urged her to accept the decision rather than misrepresenting the situation to the public.

In a related development, the Citizens Network condemned the call by Social Democratic Party (SDP) chieftain, Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, for the removal of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The group accused Ajaka of making reckless statements simply because he shares a state of origin with Senator Natasha. It emphasized that true leaders must prioritize objectivity and due process.

Furthermore, the group reaffirmed its support for Senate President Akpabio, praising his leadership in maintaining parliamentary decorum and legislative excellence. It urged Nigerians to back his administration and resist what it described as attempts by “unpatriotic elements” to destabilize the Senate for selfish political gains.

The Citizens Network concluded by calling on all Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, stressing that national unity, stability, and progress should be the focus of all patriotic citizens.