A former Kogi State governorship aspirant and woman leader, Princess Grace Iye Adejoh, has called on members of the Senate to stop pressuring Senator Natasha Uduaghan to submit to what she described as the whims of the Senate leadership.
In a statement issued to journalists in Lokoja on Thursday, Adejoh described Senator Natasha as “a Voice to the Voiceless and defender of democracy,” insisting that she should not be intimidated or silenced in what she termed a male-dominated chamber.
She condemned what she characterised as the poor treatment allegedly meted out to Senator Natasha Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, during a session of the Senate Committee at the National Assembly.
Adejoh described the development as degrading and unacceptable, and urged the Senate to tender an unreserved public apology to the lawmaker.
According to her, tension arose in the Senate on Wednesday when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan reportedly walked out of a committee session following a disagreement with the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Steel Development, Senator Patrick Ndubueze.
The disagreement centred on her insistence on continuing her questions to the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, during an interactive session on the ministry’s budget proposal.
The statement reads in part: “I write to express concern over the manner in which Senator Natasha was addressed and dismissed during yesterday’s (Wednesday, February 11) Senate committee session.
“While legislative proceedings often involve time limitations and procedural controls, the tone and language reportedly used—particularly the remark, ‘Are you the only senator?’ —raise questions about decorum and professionalism within the chamber. Such public exchanges diminish not only the individual involved but also the image of the Senate as a respected democratic institution.
“For many Nigerians, Senator Natasha represents one of the more visible voices advocating for ordinary citizens. When a lawmaker perceived in this light is publicly dismissed, it risks reinforcing public skepticism about whether dissenting or people-centred contributions are given fair consideration.
“This issue goes beyond one individual. It touches on institutional culture, respect among elected representatives, and public confidence in governance. I respectfully urge your platform to highlight this matter for broader public reflection. Accountability and adherence to decorum are essential pillars of credible legislative leadership.
“I therefore urge the leadership of the Senate to reflect on this incident and consider issuing a formal apology or clarification. Doing so would demonstrate commitment to fairness, accountability, and institutional dignity. Nigeria’s Senate must continue to model the highest standards of leadership,” the statement added.
