Former Adamawa North Senator, Elisha Abbo, has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of putting suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, in danger. Abbo claims that Akpabio’s decision to withdraw Natasha’s security details has left her vulnerable to possible attacks.
Speaking on Arise News’ PrimeTime show on Wednesday night, Abbo expressed concerns about Akpabio’s leadership style, alleging political bias and heavy-handed tactics in dealing with Natasha’s case.
The controversy began when the Senate, under Akpabio’s leadership, suspended Natasha for six months. Her suspension came after she failed to provide evidence for her allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President. However, Abbo argues that the punishment went beyond a mere suspension, as it included the withdrawal of her security, stopping her salary payments, and banning her from the National Assembly premises.
During the interview, Abbo criticized Akpabio’s handling of the situation, comparing it to past Senate incidents. He noted: “In the case of Natasha, it took a different dimension.”
He further stated: “He sat like the emperor that he claims he is and said the woman should be suspended for six months, withdrew her security, stopped payment of her salary, barred her from being seen near the National Assembly building, and even ordered the Inspector General of Police not to provide her with security.”
Abbo argued that removing Natasha’s security put her life in danger. “When you withdraw somebody’s security— which is not right— that means you are exposing her to be killed,” he said. He also claimed that the Inspector General of Police recognized the danger of this action, adding: “The IG realised that it was not a good thing to do because if tomorrow they hear that Natasha is killed, something will happen.”
The former senator also questioned the fairness of Natasha’s suspension, pointing out that Akpabio himself had disagreements with former Senate President Bukola Saraki during the 8th Senate but was never suspended. “If Akpabio was not suspended because of a seat in the 8th Assembly, why are you suspending Natasha for six months if your only motivation is because of a seat?” Abbo asked.
