Natasha-Akpabio Dispute Diverts Attention From Nigeria’s Real Issues, Says Activist Adeyanju

Human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has criticized the ongoing conflict between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, calling it a distraction from more pressing national concerns.

In a press conference held in Abuja on Friday, Adeyanju condemned the Senate’s handling of the issue, questioning its focus amid Nigeria’s growing economic challenges. He argued that the public’s attention was being diverted from crucial issues such as tax hikes, rising electricity tariffs, and the soaring cost of living.

“I wish more attention was given to the plight of ordinary Nigerians—the sovereign people of Nigeria,” Adeyanju said. “Nigerians are now paying more taxes, more for streaming services, and more for electricity. Electricity is now more expensive than house rent, yet there’s little concern about these issues.”

He went on to point out that the Senate has failed to challenge policies that negatively affect citizens. “Since the Senate began, none of them has shown opposition to the anti-people policies of the Tinubu regime—whether from the PDP, Labour Party, or NNPP. None of them; they all support these policies.”

On the Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio saga, Adeyanju dismissed attempts to frame the dispute as a regional or partisan issue. He suggested that the controversy was fueled by personal ambitions rather than public interest. “A group issued a statement threatening to shut down Nigeria, turning it into a North versus South issue. This isn’t about the North and South; it’s a personal issue between Senators,” he explained. Adeyanju also speculated that Natasha’s suspension stemmed from internal Senate power struggles over committee appointments. “Many senators are pleased with Natasha’s suspension. They said she got a committee, the Local Content Committee, that she didn’t deserve. Why was it given to her in the first place if they were planning to take it away?” he asked.

While condemning Natasha’s suspension, Adeyanju criticized the Senate for failing to give her a fair hearing and accused Senate President Akpabio of mishandling the situation. “The way the Senate, especially the Ethics Committee, has handled it is extremely shameful. But we must not be fooled into thinking they are fighting for us. They are fighting for themselves,” he said. Adeyanju also pointed out that Akpabio should have recused himself from the proceedings, citing past precedents. “When Saraki was accused of buying a bulletproof car, he recused himself. If Akpabio had done the same, they would have reached the same result, but the matter wasn’t handled properly.”

Drawing comparisons with past suspensions, Adeyanju further questioned the Senate’s motives. “Senators always unanimously support suspensions because they all receive ‘mails’. Why didn’t anyone support Ndume or Ningi when they raised alarms about budget padding in the Senate? Instead, they supported their suspensions.”

Regarding the sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio, Adeyanju called for credible evidence to be presented. “He says she is a liar. If there are messages or evidence of a private meeting request, let her reveal them. She claims to have witnesses, but some of them have denied it. Let her bring the evidence forward, and we can help her fight the good fight,” he urged.

Adeyanju called on Nigerians to focus on more significant national issues, such as the recently passed tax reform bills and policies that will impact the middle class. “This matter is becoming a distraction. The tax reform bill just passed in the House, and nobody is talking about it. Everyone is focused on the Natasha issue, and I believe this is deliberate,” he said. He also mentioned a young boy in Adamawa who was sentenced to death, stressing that this case deserved more media attention than the Senate drama. “A boy in Adamawa is sentenced to death by hanging. That is more important than the Akpabio and Natasha issue. The media needs to give him the same coverage,” Adeyanju said.

Finally, Adeyanju criticized Natasha’s decision to seek intervention from the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) while her case was still in court, stating, “She’s a lawyer, and she knows that once a case is in court, any other action taken is sub judice.”