Fear of persecution stopped senators from showing me support during suspension – Natasha Akpoti

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, says fear of political persecution prevented many of her colleagues from openly identifying with her during her suspension from the senate.

Akpoti-Uduaghan spoke on Sunday in Okene, Kogi state, during the inauguration of a new market.

She noted that although several senators reached out privately to express solidarity, they avoided public association with her for fear of political consequences.

The lawmaker described her suspension as illegal, noting that it exposed how fear and political intimidation shape behaviour within government institutions.

“When a government official faces challenges, isolation comes naturally,” she said.

“Even when people are sympathetic, they are afraid to associate with you openly for fear of being castigated or persecuted.

“Many senators stood by me quietly — they called, they visited — but in public, they couldn’t show it. I’m not offended by that.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan said the suspension also had adverse effects on contractors handling constituency projects in her district, who, she said faced delays and obstacles due to political interference.

“The 2025 budget only became active during the course of my illegal suspension,” she said.

“A number of contractors struggled to get their award letters because the projects were allocated to Kogi Central. It wasn’t easy getting these awards and commencing construction because of politics.”

Despite the setbacks, the senator said she remained focused on serving her constituents and refused to allow them to share in her ordeal.

Since her return to the senate chamber on September 24 after serving a six-month suspension, the senator has gradually re-engaged in legislative activities.

On October 18, she attended a legislative retreat organised by the ministry of solid minerals development.

On October 30, Akpoti-Uduaghan sponsored a bill seeking to establish a National Centre for Autism and six zonal centres across Nigeria to promote early diagnosis, research, education, and care for persons with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

(The Cable)