Abuja, Nigeria – The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has alleged that she is being deliberately sidelined in the Senate due to political interests. Speaking on the Brekete Family radio show on Tuesday morning, she revealed that she was removed from the Senate Committee on Local Content over claims that she was diverting resources meant for the Niger Delta to the North.
According to her, the controversy stemmed from her efforts to establish five mini-LNG plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi State.
“I was removed from the Local Content Committee because some people perceived that I was using the office to divert resources from the Niger Delta to the North because of the establishment of five mini-LNG plants in Ajaokuta, A project that Mr. President approved”, she stated.
Although she refrained from naming those responsible, Senator Natasha hinted that she would soon make further disclosures to the public.
She also accused the Senate leadership of relegating her to an obscure seat in the chamber, making it difficult for her to be noticed during plenary sessions.
“The new seat I was allocated is a far corner seat, where no one will notice if I raise my hand. It will also be difficult for the camera to capture me. There are 109 Senators, why me?” she queried.
Furthermore, she alleged that she was being deliberately blocked from attending international functions, thereby limiting her ability to attract democratic dividends to her constituency.
“They also blocked me from attending international functions in order to further limit my chances of delivering dividends of democracy to Nigerians and my constituency. I have been using my personal resources to fund my official trips abroad and many others,” she lamented.
Senator Natasha’s revelations have sparked concerns over possible internal power struggles within the Senate, particularly between her and the leadership led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Observers believe that this latest development could escalate tensions within the Red Chamber, especially as the senator has vowed to reveal more details in the coming days.