The South-South Women Congress (SSWC) has unleashed a wave of outrage, condemning what it describes as the “unruly and disrespectful” behavior of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan towards Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, during a heated plenary session on Thursday in Abuja. The group has issued a stern ultimatum: Apologize or face severe Senate sanctions.
In a statement released in Warri on Friday, Mrs. Roli Akpomedaye, leader of the influential women’s group, expressed deep disappointment over Akpoti-Uduaghan’s alleged defiance of Senate seating arrangements and disregard for legislative order.
“We, the members of the South-South Women Congress, are appalled by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s rude and unethical conduct towards our revered Senate President. Rules are meant to be obeyed, and she is no exception,” the statement read.
Eyewitness accounts from the Senate Chambers describe a dramatic scene where Akpoti-Uduaghan, in what many saw as outright defiance, raised her voice even after being ruled out of order by the Senate President.
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Akpomedaye did not hold back in her criticism, questioning how a sitting senator, over a year into her tenure, could remain unfamiliar with parliamentary rules.
“She ought to know that unless the Senate President recognizes her, she cannot speak. We are not in a lawless country! This is not the Portuguese Parliament where everyone talks at once,” Akpomedaye fumed.
According to reports, even after Akpabio’s gavel signaled an end to the altercation, Akpoti-Uduaghan allegedly refused to back down.
The SSWC is not stopping at condemnation—they are demanding action. The group is calling on the Senate to immediately sanction Akpoti-Uduaghan for what they describe as a blatant breach of legislative decorum.
“Her actions have violated the privileges of the entire Senate. Until she tenders a public apology to Senator Akpabio, the Senate, and the South-South people, she should be suspended,” the statement declared.
In a move that signals further tension, the women’s group has issued a chilling warning: Failure to apologize would brand Akpoti-Uduaghan an enemy of South-South women.
“We will not allow a young woman to insult our pride, the number three citizen of Nigeria, and the leader of the South-South and Niger Delta. She must humble herself and make amends,” the statement concluded.
With tensions running high, all eyes are now on the Senate. Will Akpoti-Uduaghan bow to pressure and apologize, or is this the beginning of a political storm that could shake the Red Chambers?
