Suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and Kogi West Senator, Sunday Karimi, exchanged words on Sunday over her suspension from the Senate.
Karimi, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), defended Natasha’s suspension, calling the events that led to it “embarrassing.” However, in a swift response, Natasha criticized his remarks and suggested that senators should undergo regular drug tests.
Karimi Defends Suspension, Blames Natasha
In a statement, Karimi argued that Natasha’s actions justified concerns earlier raised by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, about her temperament in the Red Chamber.
He expressed disappointment, stating that she had ignored all advice to de-escalate her confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which ultimately led to her suspension.
“Senator Natasha has not only embarrassed herself but also tarnished the image of Kogi State. The current situation proves that former Governor Bello was right about her unpredictable actions,” Karimi stated.
Natasha Hits Back, Calls for Drug Tests for Senators
In a fiery response, Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed Karimi’s claims, arguing that his remarks reinforced the need for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to conduct drug tests on lawmakers.
“NDLEA needs to conduct periodic drug tests on senators. This will help prevent erratic legislative hallucinations,” she said via her media aide, Israel Arogbonlo.
She pointed out that similar measures had been suggested for political aspirants by NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.) and were already being implemented by the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) for local government candidates.
“By extending this to senators, the NDLEA can help maintain the integrity of the legislative process and prevent decisions made under the influence of substances,” she added.
Natasha’s Suspension and UN Complaint
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate for six months on March 6, 2025, following a heated confrontation over a new seating arrangement, which she claimed was a deliberate attempt to undermine her.
The situation escalated further when she accused Senate President Akpabio on national television of punishing her for allegedly rejecting his sexual advances.
Taking her case to the United Nations (UN) Inter-Parliamentary Union, Natasha described her suspension as political victimization and called for international intervention.
She also decried the withdrawal of her security, salary cuts, and a ban from the National Assembly for six months, adding that these actions were meant to silence her.
Her ongoing battle with the Senate leadership has sparked debates about gender discrimination, political persecution, and internal power struggles within Nigeria’s legislative body.
