By John Umeh
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has set the record straight on her recent invitation to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other lawmakers, clarifying that it was neither political nor personal but purely in line with legislative procedure.
The senator, who is marking her second year in the National Assembly, explained that her letter to the Senate President inviting colleagues to the inauguration of her constituency projects in Kogi Central was a standard protocol observed by legislators, not an attempt at reconciliation or political appeasement.
Her explanation followed speculation that her invitation might have been a subtle move to mend political fences after previous tensions within the chamber.
Reacting to the rumours via her official social media handles, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she was surprised that a simple act of legislative courtesy was being sensationalised.
“A formal announcement made by protocol has suddenly turned into a story about reconciliation and olive branches. If I hadn’t invited my colleagues to see the work we’ve done in Kogi, the same people would say I’m isolating myself. So, make una no kuku come,” she wrote humorously.
The senator stressed that her letter, which was read aloud by Senate President Akpabio during plenary on Thursday, was procedural — a tradition followed by lawmakers when inviting their peers to official functions.
“It’s normal for senators to write through the presiding officer when hosting constituency events. I only followed due process as required. I didn’t want to celebrate my achievements in silence. I remain focused on my duties and will continue to serve my people diligently,” she added.
Reflecting on her legislative journey, Akpoti-Uduaghan noted that her two years in the Senate had been filled with both challenges and triumphs. She recalled her controversial six-month suspension, which she described as “politically motivated,” but said it only strengthened her resolve to serve her constituents better.
“There was even a time some people wanted to declare my seat vacant, but God intervened. Today, instead of talking about setbacks, we are talking about development, empowerment, and progress in Kogi Central,” she stated.
The senator announced that the project inaugurations would span several communities across her senatorial district, covering essential infrastructure such as new boreholes, roads, transformers, market stalls, and educational facilities.
She revealed that the events would culminate in a large empowerment programme on November 2, where over 2,000 beneficiaries would receive various support items, including motorcycles, sewing machines, deep freezers, agricultural tools, and electric tricycles.
“We are starting from Ganaja in Lokoja, moving through Adogo and Ajaokuta for streetlight and water projects, and ending in Ihima. This is not a celebration for me; it’s for the people who entrusted me with this mandate,” she said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan reaffirmed her commitment to transparent and people-driven representation, promising to continue advocating for equity, development, and opportunities for her constituents.
“Every project I execute is for the people who stood by me through the storms. I’m grateful to God and to Kogi Central for their unwavering faith. My duty is to deliver, and that’s exactly what I intend to keep doing,” she concluded.
