Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has revealed that fear of political persecution prevented many of her colleagues in the Senate from publicly supporting her during her six-month suspension from the National Assembly.
Speaking at the commissioning of a new market in Okene, Kogi State, the lawmaker said that while several senators privately expressed solidarity, they avoided showing open support for fear of being targeted politically.
“When a government official faces challenges, isolation comes naturally,” she said. “Even when people are sympathetic, they are afraid to associate with you openly for fear of being castigated or persecuted. Many senators stood by me quietly — they called, they visited — but in public, they couldn’t show it. I’m not offended by that.”
Natasha described her suspension as “illegal,” saying it exposed how fear and intimidation shape behaviour within government institutions.
The Kogi lawmaker was suspended in March 2025 following allegations related to a reported sex scandal involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio — claims she strongly denied. Her suspension sparked public outrage, with many civil society groups and women’s rights advocates calling it an act of political victimisation.
After spending six months away from the Senate, Natasha returned to the Red Chamber in September, where she resumed her legislative duties and has since been active in committee work and constituency projects.
Despite the ordeal, the senator said she harboured no resentment toward her colleagues who remained silent during her suspension.
“I understand the environment we operate in, fear and political pressure can silence even the best of people,” she said.
