Drama in Senate as Akpoti-Uduaghan Alleges Exclusion from North Central Committee
Mild drama unfolded in the Senate on Monday as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central protested her alleged exclusion from the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) committee.
The senator arrived at the committee meeting ready to participate but found her name missing from the official attendance list.
Seeking clarification, she was directed to the office of Titus Zam, the committee chairman.
At Zam’s office, Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed he told her the decision was based on “instructions from higher authorities,” without offering further explanation.
She described the incident as “part of a recurring pattern of marginalisation,” emphasising that all senators are constitutionally equal in status and authority.
The Kogi lawmaker questioned the procedural and constitutional grounds for her exclusion from a committee whose work directly impacts the North Central zone.
“I will not watch any senator here undermine my people. I will not have that,” she said in a viral video.
“No senator here is worth more than my people. I will not tolerate that. I will not be undermined. It will never happen. I will not be treated like a second-class citizen.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan further alleged that tensions escalated when about six aides attached to the committee chairman, including his secretary, confronted her media team and seized her cinematographer’s phone, describing the behaviour as unacceptable.
She reaffirmed her commitment to fairness and institutional integrity, stressing that her actions reflect respect for the mandate given to her by the people of Kogi Central.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
