The controversy surrounding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan continues to escalate as Jeff Onyema, Special Assistant to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accuses her of padding the Nigerian budget by ₦30 billion while serving as Chairperson of the Local Content Committee.
The Ongoing Senate Controversy
Since the public confrontation between Senate President Akpabio and Senator Natasha, the Senate has been at the centre of daily political discussions, with fresh developments surfacing regularly. While Natasha has accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, the Senate President’s supporters have dismissed the allegations, calling them frivolous. Instead, Senator Natasha is being portrayed as the black sheep of the Senate.
Onyema’s Claims Against Senator Natasha
During a pro-Akpabio protest in Abuja, Onyema claimed that Natasha’s allegations against Akpabio were politically motivated and tied to her removal from the Local Content Committee. He alleged that Natasha had requested reinstatement to the committee as a condition to resolve her conflict with Akpabio. Onyema also challenged the Kogi Central Senator to provide evidence to her claims of sexual harassment against the Senate President.
Onyema’s Defense of Akpabio
Speaking at the protest, Onyema strongly defended Akpabio’s character, emphasizing his longstanding reputation and leadership. He argued that Akpabio had been a champion for women’s rights and that Natasha’s claims lacked credibility.
His words:
“We are gathered here to support the Senate President. People can see that Nigerians came out en masse, both female and male, to support a common transformer, Senator Godswill Akpabio. The allegation against Akpabio cannot be proven. He has been a respected leader for over 20 years, and a friend to women, mothers, and young ladies. No one else has accused him of such misconduct.”
Onyema further alleged that Natasha had padded ₦30 billion into the Local Content Committee’s budget and was asked to step down due to irregularities. He claimed that Natasha attempted to negotiate a return to the committee in exchange for dropping her accusations against Akpabio.
“She made a phone call saying that if she was reinstated to the Local Content Committee, the issue would die. She has no proof against Akpabio and should come forward with evidence if she has any.”
Calls for Public Scrutiny
Onyema urged Nigerians to see the “truth” in the situation and called on women not to support Natasha’s claims unless she presented tangible evidence. He emphasized that support for Akpabio extended beyond regional lines, stating that people from the Niger Delta, Southeast, South-South, North, Middle Belt, and North Central were all behind the Senate President.
Conclusion
The battle between Senator Natasha and Senate President Akpabio remains a highly charged issue, with both sides trading serious accusations. Senator Natasha insists on her claims of sexual harassment, while Akpabio’s camp counters with corruption allegations against her. However, neither of the parties has been able to provide concrete evidence to back up their claims. As the controversy unfolds, Nigerians await the outcome of the depraved controversy within the Senate.
