By Muhammad Mamman
Tensions flared on Tuesday within the Northern Senators Forum WhatsApp group as Senator Titus Tartenger Zam (Benue North-West) openly clashed with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central), who remains embroiled in controversy over her sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a strongly worded message, Zam criticised his colleague for what he described as a penchant for “negative headlines,” urging her to adopt a more constructive approach.
“Why do you wish to be in the news for the wrong reason? I thought by now you would be sober and engaging instead of resorting to needless altercations with the system,” Zam wrote. He reminded her that it was Senate President Akpabio—whom she has accused—who administered her oath of office, stressing: “Calm down, you can’t subdue this institution.”
The sharp exchange comes amid fresh calls for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reinstatement following the expiration of her six-month suspension in September. Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has advised her to initiate fresh legal action against the Senate, describing its refusal to allow her return as unconstitutional.
Adeyanju, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), argued: “The right thing will be to file a fresh case challenging the refusal to let her resume after the six-month suspension… This should be a good time to release the evidence against Akpabio so she can win in the court of public opinion.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March, but a Federal High Court ruling in July declared the sanction excessive and unconstitutional, ordering her reinstatement. Despite this, she was denied entry to the National Assembly complex in July, with officials citing a pending appeal filed by the Senate President.
In a letter dated 28 August to the Clerk of the National Assembly, Akpoti-Uduaghan reminded the institution that her suspension had lapsed and demanded immediate access to her office and full restoration of her rights as a lawmaker.
“The suspension was limited to six months. With that period now expired, my legislative privileges must automatically be restored,” she insisted.
Yet, in a 4 September response, Acting Clerk Dr Yahaya Danzaria maintained that her case remains sub judice until the appellate process is concluded—leaving her return to the Senate chamber in limbo.
