Senator Natasha Faces Disciplinary Review Over Senate Standoff
Natasha sues Akpabio for defamation, demands N100.3bn damages
Onanuga to El-Rufai: Time to Move On from Ministerial Snub
Ribadu to El-Rufai: ‘I’m Too Busy to Wrestle with You
Senator Natasha Faces Disciplinary Review Over Senate Standoff
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has been referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions following a heated argument with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over her seat being reassigned without her consent. The committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imaseun (LP, Edo South), has been given two weeks to report its findings. Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), condemned her actions as “extreme intransigence,” while Senate President Akpabio emphasised the importance of adhering to Senate rules and decorum. Read more
Athena Commentary: This referral of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Ethics Committee over a seating dispute tells us something about the persistent challenges of power dynamics and gender representation in Nigeria’s political institutions. Of course parliamentary rules must be respected, but the reaction suggests a broader attempt to assert control rather than a mere enforcement of order. The Athena Centre believes that a vibrant democracy thrives on inclusivity and constructive debate, not intimidation, especially when a member of the opposition party is involved. Institutions must ensure that procedural matters do not become tools for suppressing voices, especially those advocating for accountability and reform. True legislative integrity is upheld by meaningful dialogue, not by punishing strong-willed lawmakers for asserting their rights.
Natasha sues Akpabio for defamation, demands N100.3bn damages
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has also filed a lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Akpabio’s Senior Legislative Aide, Mfon Patrick, for defamation. The suit, filed at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, alleges that Akpabio and his aide made defamatory remarks about her, including claims that she believed being a lawmaker was about “pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the chambers.” Akpoti-Uduaghan is seeking N100 billion in damages and an injunction preventing further defamatory statements. Read more
Athena Commentary: Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal action adds another dimension to what began as a dispute over parliamentary seating arrangements. What should have been a procedural matter has escalated into an issue of institutional decorum, gender bias, and political power play. The alleged derogatory remarks highlight a troubling pattern in Nigerian politics, where strong female voices often face belittling attacks rather than policy-based engagement. This lawsuit signals a pushback against the culture of casual misogyny in governance and about the need for legislative spaces that prioritise respect, fairness, and the rule of law. The Athena Centre maintains that political institutions should encourage meaningful debates, not demean individuals for asserting their rights.
Onanuga to El-Rufai: Time to Move On from Ministerial Snub
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, has urged former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai to move on from his disappointment over being left out of the president’s cabinet. In an interview, He stated so while responding to El-Rufai’s interview on ARISE TV on Monday. El-Rufai, who was initially nominated for a ministerial role in August 2023, had his confirmation stalled by the Senate, reportedly due to security concerns. However, in the interview, he claimed that it was President Tinubu himself who ultimately withdrew support for his appointment. Read more
Athena Commentary: El-Rufai’s grievances highlight a recurring pattern in Nigerian politics, where alliances are often transactional and short-lived. His outspokenness, despite once being a key player in the APC’s electoral strategy, tells us something about the fragility of political loyalty in Nigeria. And on the other hand, Onanuga’s response, though dismissive, reflects the administration’s attempt to downplay internal discontent. Rather than brushing off El-Rufai’s criticisms, the government should address the underlying concerns he raises about governance and party cohesion. Political fallouts like this are not just personal disputes; they reveal deeper tensions within the ruling party that, if left unresolved, could impact its long-term stability.
Ribadu to El-Rufai: ‘I’m Too Busy to Wrestle with You
National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has dismissed allegations by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, that he is orchestrating corruption probes against him. El-Rufai, in the recent Arise TV interview, accused Ribadu of using security agencies and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani to tarnish his reputation, allegedly due to Ribadu’s political ambitions for 2031. In response, Ribadu denied the accusations, stating that he remains too occupied with national security matters to engage in a political back-and-forth with El-Rufai. While acknowledging their past association, Ribadu maintained that he has never spoken ill of the former governor and urged the public to disregard the claims. Read more
Athena Commentary: El-Rufai’s accusations and Ribadu’s measured response reflect the deepening fractures within the political elite. The rift between these once-close allies provides lessons on the power struggles shaping Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of future elections. The use of anti-corruption agencies as political weapons is a recurring theme in Nigerian politics, but Ribadu’s refusal to engage in open confrontation suggests an attempt to maintain strategic distance. However, as investigations into El-Rufai’s administration continue, the public will be watching closely to determine whether this is a legitimate anti-corruption effort or another episode of political score-settling.