Senator Ireti Kingibe criticizes Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over outburst against Akpabio

Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has responded to Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims of mistreatment in the Senate, asserting that the Kogi Central lawmaker has enjoyed more privileges than other female senators.

In an interview on Arise News on Friday, Kingibe addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The incident, which took place on February 20 during a plenary session, involved a heated exchange over a change in seating arrangements. Akpoti-Uduaghan later accused Akpabio of retaliating against her after she allegedly rejected his sexual advances.

Kingibe, however, countered Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusations, emphasizing that she was not the only senator whose seat had been moved.

The FCT senator also criticised Akpoti-Uduaghan for failing to adhere to Senate rules, stating that such issues should be handled within the framework of parliamentary procedures.

“Silence is golden, especially when one of us is not following the rules. And as women, we did not want to come out publicly to say anything negative about her; and we were hoping all of this will blow over, as a lot of things do,” Kingibe said.

“The senate is not a place where we are supposed to fight over trivialities like seating arrangements.

“This is about the rules of the senate. So if I can point out that other women have been moved several times on that day, I wasn’t there, but I gathered that several men were also moved.”

Kingibe said although the senate is “not gender friendly”, it has been improving.

“And the truth of the matter is, when we make a fuss and draw the attention of the Senate president, he corrects it,” she said.

“Truly, the senate can do better than it’s doing, but there’s hardly anything that’s been done to us that’s not done to other men.

“The truth is, Senator Natasha has gotten the most privileges among all four of us (female senators). The seat I sit on now has been moved four times.

“I want women to know we have to follow the rules of the institution we choose to enter, and that is mostly the point of this visit here.”

Regarding the allegations of sexual harassment, Kingibe stated that she is not personally close to Akpabio and therefore could not comment on such matters.

“I collected some documents for Senator Natasha, informed her and went to her house. She told me that she was supposed to discuss something with Akpabio but he said to meet him at a hotel,” Kingibe added.

Governor Fubara breaks silence as Wike’s canp wins big at the Supreme Court

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed his acknowledgement for the Supreme Court’s decision to recognize Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule and 26 other individuals as legitimate members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The ruling marks a key development in the ongoing political turbulence within the state.

In an official statement issued by Joe Johnson, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Governor Fubara acknowledged the Supreme Court’s judgment, which also covers the management of state funds and local government administration in Rivers.

“We are currently awaiting a detailed briefing on the full implications of the judgment. We will carefully assess the situation and decide on the appropriate steps to safeguard the interests of Rivers State and its people,” the statement read.

While admitting that the ruling reinstates the 27 lawmakers, Fubara pointed out that the critical issue of their defection, which initially led to their disputed status, was not addressed by the Court. He explained that this matter remains unresolved, as it is still pending before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt.

“Since the issue of defection was not part of the case before the Justices, they consider Amaewhule and the 26 others as duly serving lawmakers until the matter is brought before them,” the statement added.

Governor Fubara reassured Rivers State residents that his administration is committed to upholding the rule of law and working in the best interest of the state. He urged the public to remain calm and law-abiding as the government seeks clarity on the ruling and its broader consequences.