National Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (NACOCSO) has faulted Senator Natasha Akpoti–Uduaghan for twisting factsover suspension by the Red Chamber.
Speaking while on a solidarity match in support of the Senate President on Wednesday in Abuja, the National Coordinator, National Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (NACOCSO), Comr. Adebayo Lion Ogorry explained that Sen. NatashaAkpoti–Uduaghan is twisting the facts over her suspension.
He said the “National Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (NACOCSO) which is a Coalition of 27 CSOs and NGOs wishes to address the recent controversy surrounding the suspensionof Senator Natasha Akpoti–Uduaghan.
“After careful consideration of the facts, we unequivocally support Senator Godswill Akpabio and the Senate’s decision to suspend Senator Akpoti–Uduaghan.
“Senator Natasha Akpoti–Uduaghan has deliberately twisted the facts of the case to suit her false and selfish narrative of sexual harassment, victimisation and Suppression by the leadership of the Senate”.
Ogorry stated that “it is worthy of note and very important that Nigerians should separate the facts from sensationalism and resist the growing trend of exploiting gender sentiments to mask disorderly conduct within the Senate by Senator Natasha.
“The legislative chamber is not a battleground for personal grievances or emotional outbursts but a place of order, debate, and democratic principle.
“The facts of the matter are crystal clear: Senator NatashaAkpoti–Uduaghan refused to comply with a routine seating arrangement change in the Senate, engaging in disorderly conduct and violating the decorum expected of lawmakers.
“The Senate Committee on Ethics invited her for a disciplinary hearing, where she was found guilty of unruly behavior and sanctioned accordingly.
“We condemn Senator Akpoti–Uduaghan‘s actions, which have brought disrepute to the Senate and undermined the democratic process. Her refusal to comply with the seating arrangement change and her subsequent behavior demonstrated a blatant disregard for the rules and institutions of our democracy.
“It is crystal clear that what was before the Senate was not her petition against the Senate President but her conduct on the floor of the Senate, which violated the decorum expected of lawmakers. We are aware that reshuffling of seats in the Senate is a regular routine that happens all the time and it’s always done in a way that ensures order and pays respect to seniority”.
He noted that the issue has nothing to do with Gender-Based Suppression when the facts point to a different thing completely. “The rules of the Senate cannot be bent just because a particular lawmaker chooses to play the victim card when confronted with the consequences of her actions.
“Every Senator, regardless of gender, must conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the integrity of the Red Chamber. We cannot start excusing unruly behavior because of gender- if we do, then we are setting a dangerous precedent where rules become optional based on emotional appeal”.
The Coordinator further said the senate must not bow to emotional blackmail or social media outrage fueled by false or half-truth narratives. “Nigeria’s democracy thrives when its institutions are strong, disciplined, and governed by rules—not when they are manipulated to serve personal or partisan interests.
“We must ensure that the principles of accountability, order, and respect remain the guiding forces of our legislative process. This is not about silencing anyone; it is about ensuring that the Senate remains a place of reasoned debate, not theatrical disruptions.
“We applaud Senator Godswill Akpabio and the Senate for upholding the principles of order, discipline, and respect for the institution. The Senate’s decision to suspend Senator Akpoti–Uduaghan was a necessary measure to maintain the integrity and dignity of the legislative body” he stated.
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