A media consultant to Senate President Godswill Akpabio has stated that suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan could have her suspension lifted immediately if she offers a public apology to the Senate.
Kenny Okolugbo, who serves as media strategist to the Senate President, made the assertion during an interview with Vanguard newspaper while defending Akpabio against allegations of politically motivated actions in the suspension matter.
The Kogi Central Senator was suspended on March 6 following what the Senate described as violations of parliamentary conduct rules.
Okolugbo dismissed suggestions that the Senate President’s handling of the case was driven by political considerations, insisting that all actions taken were within constitutional bounds and Senate regulations.
“That argument simply doesn’t hold water. Senator Godswill Akpabio has acted in full compliance with the Constitution and Senate rules,” Okolugbo stated. “He has not personalised the issue, nor has he acted unilaterally. The Senate’s decision was a collective one, grounded in law.”
He cited Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution, which grants each chamber authority to regulate its proceedings, and Rule 14(2) of the Senate Standing Orders, which provides internal disciplinary mechanisms, as the legal foundation for the suspension.
The media consultant emphasized that the suspended senator’s actions, rather than Senate leadership decisions, precipitated the current situation.
“She went to court, not the Senate. She made wild accusations, not the Senate President. The suspension came after due process,” he explained, noting that Akpoti-Uduaghan was found guilty of violating multiple parliamentary orders.
When asked about potential resolution pathways, Okolugbo revealed that the Senate had built in a reconciliation mechanism from the outset.
“When she was suspended on March 6, the Senate inserted a clause — Proviso 2 — stating clearly that her suspension could be lifted immediately upon tendering a public apology to the Senate and its leadership,” he disclosed.
He described the inclusion of this provision as demonstrating “magnanimity and fairness” on the part of the Senate leadership.
However, Okolugbo expressed frustration with what he characterized as the senator’s continued defiance, noting that even media platforms that had previously supported her cause had advised reconciliation.
“Even Brekete Family, where she once went for sympathy, later advised her to apologise. She ignored that. Her defiance has dragged this issue far longer than necessary,” he observed.
The consultant indicated that the resolution timeline now depends entirely on the suspended senator’s willingness to make amends.
“If Senator Natasha tenders an apology and retracts her unfounded allegations — this can end immediately. But if she continues this performance, then legal processes will take their course,” Okolugbo concluded.
