In a decisive rejoinder aimed at quelling rising controversy, Senator (Prince) Ned Nwoko of Delta North has broken his silence over the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, denouncing claims of victimization and gender bias as “sensationalism” and “emotional blackmail.”
In an exclusive statement, Nwoko called for a return to facts, asserting that the Senate’s disciplinary action was rooted in the preservation of order and decorum — not suppression of female voices.
“The legislative chamber is not a battleground for personal grievances or emotional outbursts,” Nwoko stated, “but a place of order, debate, and democratic principles.”
Seat Reallocation: Routine, Not Targeted
At the heart of the dispute is a seat reallocation — a process Senator Nwoko described as a routine adjustment governed by seniority, party balance, and Senate protocol.
“I have personally been moved three times,” he explained, noting that seating shifts occur whenever a senator vacates office for any reason.
“This is not about Natasha. Everyone moves. It’s how we maintain order and structure. No one is above this process,” he said.
According to Nwoko, Senator Natasha refused to comply with this standard procedure, sparking chaos on the Senate floor. “Instead of moving, she became uncontrollable, shouting, ‘I am not scared of you!’ — a display unbecoming of any lawmaker,” he recalled. “It was no longer about the seat but about respect for the institution.”
Due Process Followed, Opportunity for Apology Rejected
Following the incident, the Senate Committee on Ethics convened to examine the matter. “The committee heard from all present, and the conclusion was clear — her conduct was out of line,” Nwoko stated.
In an effort to de-escalate the situation, Nwoko said he reached out directly to Senator Natasha, urging her to apologize to the Senate as a path toward resolution.
“I told her, ‘You are wrong. I watched the video.’ But she insisted she did nothing wrong. That left the Senate with no choice.”
“This Is Not About Misogyny”
Nwoko firmly rejected narratives framing the suspension as a gender-based attack. “Misogyny is not the issue, disorderly conduct is,” he said. “No lawmaker, male or female, is above Senate rules. Many Nigerian women have excelled in politics through discipline and strategic engagement.”
Sexual Harassment Allegations “Not Before the Senate”
Addressing the cloud of sexual harassment allegations raised by Senator Natasha against the Senate President, Nwoko clarified that such matters were never before the Senate.
“That is a court matter. The Senate deliberated strictly on her disruptive conduct,” he emphasized.
Nwoko questioned the timing and credibility of the allegations, noting that the incident in question was over a year old and that Natasha had maintained regular, documented interactions with the Senate President during that period, often in the presence of her husband and others.
Husband’s Role Criticized
In a rare personal note, Nwoko expressed disappointment in Senator Natasha’s husband for escalating the situation. “I had expected him to de-escalate matters.
This could have been handled privately,” he remarked, pointing out the longstanding friendship between the husband and the Senate President.
Senate Must Uphold Discipline
Concluding his statement, Senator Nwoko warned against allowing “emotional outrage and half-truths” to undermine the Senate’s integrity.
“We must not bend the rules to accommodate theatrical disruptions. Leadership demands responsibility, and the Senate must stand firm in upholding discipline and order.”
He added, “Nigeria’s democracy thrives when institutions are governed by rules, not manipulated sentiments.”
