Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, has dismissed the ongoing dispute between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing it as lawmakers simply “catching a cruise.”
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on March 5, 2025, Adaramodu downplayed the tension in the Red Chamber, insisting that such incidents are normal in legislative environments worldwide.
“Some people, like our younger generation, will say they are catching their cruise. I see this one as that. Maybe our own senator sister is just catching her own cruise,” he remarked.
Natasha Accuses Akpabio of Sexual Harassment
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, recently alleged that Senate President Akpabio had made repeated sexual advances toward her, which she rejected. She claimed that her refusal led to her recent troubles in the Senate, including a controversial seating arrangement dispute.
The feud escalated last week when Natasha engaged in a heated exchange with Akpabio after discovering her seat had been moved. Her outburst disrupted proceedings, leading to her referral to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, led by Senator Neda Imaseun, for disciplinary action.
Natasha’s Sexual Harassment Petition Dismissed
In a dramatic turn, Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a formal petition against Akpabio in the Senate on Wednesday. However, Senate leaders, including Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, questioned its validity.
Senate President Akpabio referred the petition to the concerned Senate Committee, which swiftly dismissed it as “dead on arrival.”
Committee Chairman Neda Imaseun ruled that Natasha’s petition was procedurally flawed, citing Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders. He explained that she signed the petition herself, instead of having it endorsed by another individual, making it legally invalid.
Senate Spokesman: “This is Just Content Creation”
Addressing the controversy, Adaramodu likened the entire saga to media sensationalism, stating:
“This is just content creation, and when there is content creation, the media will feast on it. There have always been little uproars here and there in every legislative body, even outside Nigeria.”
On Natasha’s seating dispute, Adaramodu clarified that Senate rules prohibit a lawmaker from raising a point of order if they are not properly seated. He added that Akpabio chose not to order her out, allowing her to sit on the “wrong seat” throughout the session.
Senate Image “Remains Intact” – Adaramodu
Despite public scrutiny, Adaramodu dismissed concerns that the incident has damaged the Senate’s reputation, stating:
“The image of the Senate is intact. It’s just a mere hoax. We will resolve it.”
The Natasha-Akpabio controversy has dominated political discussions, but the Senate leadership remains firm, insisting that the matter will be handled internally. As the fallout continues, Nigerians await the next chapter in this high-profile political showdown