Akpabio: I want my Senate probe to be live broadcast — Senator Natasha

The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has insisted that her pending probe by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions be aired live for Nigerians to witness.

The senator made the demand in a Facebook post on Thursday while reacting to a petition filed against her by a Northern youth group, which accused her of corruption and misconduct. 

The petition, addressed to the Senate committee, called for an investigation into alleged financial mismanagement, abuse of office, and victimisation of committee staff.

The petition titled, ”Petition against senator Natasha Uduaghan-Akpote request to investigate and discipline the senator over corruption, breach of trust and victim isation of local content committer staff,” reads partly, “The Northern Youth Advocacy for Excellence (NOYAD) hereby calls esteemed Senate Committee on Ethics ,Privileges and Public Petition to investigate Natasha Uduaghsn Akpoti over verifiable corrupt practices, accounts freezing and criminal diversion of committee impress allocations, usurpation of Committee duties, stifling of rights of committee staff as well as intimidation and harassment of local content committee clerk, Mrs Edith Ajah…”

In her response, Akpoti-Uduaghan declared her readiness to face the probe but stressed that the proceedings must be made public.

She wrote, “Good morning, courageous people of Kogi Central, Kogi State, and Nigeria.

“This petition came to my notice a few hours ago.

“In as much as I have refrained from publicly speaking on the matter and a lot of occurrences at the Senate under Senate President Akpabio, it’s about time I break my silence.

“Arise News, set a date, and I shall be in your studio in person. Spare no questions.

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“And to Nigerians, please be sure to join the probe, which I shall insist would be covered live.

“The next few days and weeks shall be interesting but will shape the standard and quality of Nigeria’s leadership.”

Tribune Online reports that the Senate had on Tuesday referred Akpoti-Uduaghan to the same committee following her shouting match with Akpabio over seating arrangements in the Red Chamber.

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