The Senator representing Delta North, Prince Ned Munir Nwoko, has said that the recent outcry over Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension has been twisted into a false narrative of victimization and suppression.
In a letter titled, Exclusive Interview and Rejoinder by Senator Ned Nwoko on the Senate Vs. Senator Natasha Matter obtained by The Intercept, Nwoko explained the importance of separating the facts from sensationalism and resisting the growing trend of exploiting gender sentiments to mask disorderly conduct within the Senate.
He noted that the legislative chamber is not a battleground for personal grievances or emotional outbursts but a place of order, debate, and democratic principle.
According to Nwoko, “Let it be clear: what was before the Senate was not her petition—something she has confirmed—but her conduct on the Senate floor, which violated the decorum expected of lawmakers.”
Explaining that the issue is triggered by the reshuffling of seats, which is a long-standing practice in the Senate, he pointed out that he had personally been moved thrice.
“Whenever a senator leaves for any reason—whether due to death, defection, or other circumstances—there is an adjustment in the seating arrangement. This happens across both party lines, and it is not targeted at any individual. The idea is to ensure that seats are properly arranged based on seniority, party balance, and Senate rules.
“For instance, a ranking senator sits in the front row. If that senator leaves, a new member cannot just take that seat. Instead, everyone shifts accordingly. It is a process where multiple senators move to achieve the right balance.
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“Everybody moves. Not just one person. The movement is done in a way that maintains the structure of the Senate. A fresher does not just sit where a senior senator was. The arrangement is reshuffled in a way that ensures order and respects seniority.
“This is a routine adjustment that happens all the time. It is not a new practice. It is not targeted at any one person. It is simply how the Senate works.
Recalling the incident that escalated to national issues, he said Senator Natasha was asked to move to a new seat, but she refused to comply.
“That, in itself, was already an issue because every other senator understands that seating changes happen regularly.
“But what followed was even more concerning. She became uncontrollable, raising her voice, shouting, “I am not scared of you!” We all saw the video. That display was completely uncalled for.
“At that moment, it was no longer about a seat—it was about discipline, order, and respect for the institution. If every senator decided to resist a simple procedural adjustment in that manner, the Senate would be ungovernable.
The Senate Followed Due Process
Nwoko explained that the Senate Committee on Ethics invited her for a disciplinary hearing which is the proper procedure to addressing issues in the senate.
He said the committee heard from those who were present that day, and all agreed that she had acted in an unruly manner
According to him, “the report that was submitted was clear—her conduct on the floor was unacceptable, and she should be suspended.
“I reached out to her during this process. I sent her messages because, as a lawyer, I know that before any judgment is passed, a person must be allowed to state their case.
“Are you prepared to apologize so that I can speak on your behalf? Ask that you be given the opportunity to apologize.”
“She responded that she did no wrong.
“That didn’t stop me. I told her directly: You are wrong. I watched the video. I saw what happened. The report before us was not about any sexual harassment claim—it was strictly about her disorderly conduct.”
Exploiting Feminine Sentiments for Political Gain
The senator stated that the issue on ground is not a case of gender-based suppression when the facts point to a different reality.
He stressed that it would be disastrous to allow the rules of the senate be bent because a particular lawmaker chooses to play the victim card when confronted with the consequences of their actions.
“Every Senator, regardless of gender, must conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the integrity of the Red Chamber. If we start excusing unruly behavior because of gender, then we are setting a dangerous precedent where rules become optional based on emotional appeal.”
Misogyny Is Not the Issue—Disorderly Conduct Is
Some voices are trying to frame this as an attack on women in politics. That is a manipulation of the truth. Nigeria has many strong female leaders who have made their mark through discipline, strategic engagement, and respect for institutional processes. The Senate is not and has never been against women.
However, no lawmaker—man or woman—is above the rules of the chamber. The issue here is not gender; it is the expectation that all Senators must conduct themselves with decorum and respect for the institution they serve. The rules of engagement apply equally to all members, and when a Senator repeatedly flouts those rules, there must be consequences.
The Allegations of Sexual Harassment Were Never Before the Senate
He explained that since the senate does not deliberate in sexual harassment allegation the matter has been taken to court.
“t is highly unlikely that she will win such a case because the alleged incident supposedly happened over a year ago. She had multiple opportunities to report it to the Senate, the police, or any authority, yet she did not.
“Even after this alleged incident, she traveled multiple times with the Senate President for international events, which were well-documented online. She was in the same spaces as him, attended meetings with him, and was often with her husband during these trips.
“To now come forward and narrow these allegations to a particular day, a particular time—when her husband was within range, when other people were present, when the Senate President’s wife was in the family house—raises serious questions. It is highly unlikely that such discussions would take place in such a setting.
He however, noted that the senate must not bow to emotional blackmail or social media outrage fueled by false or half-truth narratives.
“Nigeria’s democracy thrives when its institutions are strong, disciplined, and governed by rules—not when they are manipulated to serve personal or partisan interests.
“We must ensure that the principles of accountability, order, and respect remain the guiding forces of our legislative process. This is not about silencing anyone; it is about ensuring that the Senate remains a place of reasoned debate, not theatrical disruptions,” he added.
