Why senators failed to show me support during my suspension – Natasha

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has revealed that fear of political persecution stopped many of her fellow lawmakers from publicly supporting her during her suspension from the Senate.

Speaking on Sunday in Okene, Kogi State, at the inauguration of a new market, Akpoti-Uduaghan disclosed that although several senators privately reached out to express solidarity and offer encouragement, they deliberately avoided openly identifying with her due to concerns over potential political backlash.

According to her, the silent support reflected a growing atmosphere of caution and fear within the political landscape, where public association with controversial issues could attract negative consequences.

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

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“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.”

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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.

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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).