Founder of Anap Foundation, Atedo Peterside, has criticized the six-month suspension of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling it disrespectful to her constituents and ultra vires.

Peterside, who is also the founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, expressed concern over the Senate’s decision, stating, “The most disturbing aspect of the Nigerian Senate hullabaloo around Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is that the Senate Leadership must be aware that her suspension for six months is ultra vires and also disrespectful to her constituents in Kogi State, but they don’t care.”

The suspension followed a seat arrangement dispute on February 20, 2025, escalating tensions between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan. The female senator accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office, leading to a N100bn defamation suit against him. The Senate dismissed her claims, referring her to its disciplinary committee, which she later challenged in court.

A Federal High Court in Abuja halted disciplinary proceedings against her, with the case adjourned to March 10, 2025. Despite the initial rejection of her petition, Akpoti-Uduaghan re-submitted her complaint against Akpabio on March 6.

This is not the first clash between the two lawmakers; in July 2024, Akpabio apologized to Akpoti-Uduaghan over a nightclub-related remark.