Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan clarifies invitation to Senate President as act of courtesy
Invitation was a procedural gesture, not political
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has clarified that her recent invitation to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other members of the Senate to attend the inauguration of projects in Kogi State was purely a gesture of courtesy.
Addressing speculations that the invitation was a political move, the senator explained that her letter followed standard legislative procedures and reflected long-standing traditions of the National Assembly.
During Thursday’s plenary session, Senate President Akpabio read Akpoti-Uduaghan’s letter on the Senate floor. The letter formally invited senators to attend the inauguration of multiple constituency projects in Kogi Central as part of activities marking her second anniversary in the Senate.
The letter stated:
“In marking my second anniversary as a serving senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I wish to invite fellow distinguished senators to join me for the project inauguration in Kogi State.”
Senator condemns misinterpretations of her intentions
Following public reactions, some media outlets and commentators suggested that the invitation might be a political overture aimed at reconciliation. However, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed such interpretations, describing them as unnecessary and misleading.
Taking to her social media platforms, the senator expressed her displeasure with how a formal notification was turned into political speculation. She wrote:
“Announcement by protocol don turn to ‘Olive Branch, Reconciliation’. If I didn’t invite you all to ‘see what the Lord has done in my life,’ you’d say I’m ignoring the institution. Make una no kuku come.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized that sending such invitations is standard protocol in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. According to her, it was essential to inform the Senate leadership about the event, not only out of respect but also to maintain transparency and inclusiveness.
“As is customary for announcements of such nature, I wrote to the Senate through the presiding officer for the Senate President to read on the floor,” she said. “I didn’t want it to seem like I was celebrating in isolation. I’m a progressive person who follows due process.”
Reflecting on challenges and resilience in office
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan also reflected on her journey in the Senate so far, acknowledging that her two years in office had come with both triumphs and trials. She recounted her six-month suspension from legislative duties, describing it as a difficult period that nonetheless strengthened her resolve to serve her constituents.
“Some months ago, there was a plan to declare my seat vacant, but God saved me. Today, we are celebrating our second year in office with the inauguration of multiple projects,” she revealed.
Despite the challenges, the senator said she remained committed to ensuring her people continued to benefit from democratic dividends.
“Though I lost six months, I ensured my people didn’t feel deprived of the benefits of representation. I worked extra hard to bring development projects to my constituency,” she added.
Multiple constituency projects to be inaugurated
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan listed several projects slated for commissioning, including boreholes, solar-powered streetlights, electricity transformers, police quarters, and new primary and secondary school buildings. Additionally, two new markets are set to be opened across various communities in Kogi Central.
She further disclosed that the project inaugurations would culminate in a major empowerment programme scheduled for November 2, during which over 2,000 beneficiaries will receive various empowerment items. These include electric vehicles, deep freezers, gas cookers, sewing machines, shoemaking kits, fishery ponds, and agricultural tools.
According to the senator, the events began in Ganaja, Lokoja, with the commissioning of a community water project. The team will then proceed to Adogo and Jakuta for the inauguration of streetlight projects before returning to Ihima for further activities.
Gratitude to constituents and call for unity
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed deep gratitude to her constituents and supporters for their encouragement throughout her legislative journey. She reiterated her commitment to transparent governance, accountability, and inclusive development in Kogi Central.
“I’m grateful to God and to the people who entrusted me with this mandate. Their faith in me fuels my commitment to keep working for progress, equity, and empowerment,” she concluded.
Through her clarification, the senator sought to put to rest speculations surrounding her invitation to the Senate President, affirming that her actions were motivated solely by respect for institutional protocols and a desire to foster unity within the legislative body.
