Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Burden of Representation -

Kindly Share This

By Editorial Team

The controversy surrounding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has once again raised serious questions about the quality of representation at the National Assembly. While the people of her senatorial district deserve effective voice and leadership in Abuja, the ongoing legal battles, personal controversies and accusations of misconduct have left constituents without meaningful representation.

The crux of the matter is simple, Senator Natasha’s suspension was not imposed on Kogi Central voters but on her as an individual, following allegations of misconduct and disobedience to established rules of the Senate. Unfortunately, her personal battles have now overshadowed the primary responsibility she was elected for, representing her people. In effect, Kogi Central has been caught in the crossfire of political grandstanding and personal pride.

For months, she has framed her suspension as an issue of sexual harassment and persecution. Yet, despite several opportunities, she has failed to provide convincing evidence before the court, the Senate, or even to international bodies she has petitioned.

Without verifiable proof, her claims remain weakened, especially given her past record of similar accusations that collapsed under scrutiny. The reference to Reno Omokri’s revelations about her earlier allegations only deepens the public’s doubt.

Politics is not warfare; it is negotiation, dialogue and compromise. The Senate chamber is not for creating contents on social media but a forum of debate, persuasion and lawmaking. Kogi Central voters did not elect a fighter without focus but a legislator expected to present motions, push development projects, and speak for the grassroots.

Yet, instead of reconciliation, we see continuous legal drama and media campaigns that serve no practical interest for the electorate.

The truth remains that the lawmaker cannot eat her cake and have it. She cannot run to the court to seek redress and, at the same time, refuse to respect the rulings and orders of the same court. Neither can she bulldoze her way back into the chamber without addressing the issues raised against her. Pride, ego, and sycophancy may win temporary applause on social media, but they cannot deliver lasting political settlement.

It is even more troubling that Senator Natasha appears more invested in sustaining her narrative through social media and foreign organizations. Her grandstanding may attract global attention, but it does little to bring relief to the people of Kogi Central who lack proper representation in the Senate. Politics is about service, not personal theatre.

There comes a time in leadership when humility must prevail over ego. For Senator Natasha, that time is now. A more responsible approach would be to withdraw her case from court, make peace with the Senate leadership, apologize where necessary and return to the work she was elected to do. Anything less is a betrayal of the voters’ mandate.

As elders of Egbira land and her family members watch this drama unfold, they must rise to guide her back to reason. Their prayers, counsel and firm advice may be the only shield against the selfish advisers and sycophants pushing her towards political self-destruction.

No leader should allow pride to block the path of reconciliation and service. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan must remember that her office is not a trophy for personal battles but a sacred trust for the people of Kogi Central. She must either choose service or surrender the mandate. The people deserve no less.