Tag: Natasha

  • 2face Idibia arrives Edo gov poll tribunal with lover Natasha

    2face Idibia arrives Edo gov poll tribunal with lover Natasha

    ABUJA– Popular Nigerian musician, Innocent Idibia, also known as 2Face or 2Baba, on Wednesday, stormed the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja.

    He arrived at the tribunal with his new lover, Natasha Osawaru, who is the lawmaker representing Egor Constituency at the Edo State House of Assembly.

    The tribunal is set to deliver judgement on the petition the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its candidate, Asuerinme Ighodalo, filed to nullify the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

    Osawaru, who is the Deputy Majority Leader of the Edo State Assembly, was elected on the platform of the PDP.

    In January, 2Face announced his separation from his wife, Annie.

    His subsequent proposal to Natasha the next month gained widespread attention.

    Since then, the singer and the lawmaker have been spotted together in public on multiple occasions, including shopping outings and social engagements.

    The Edo lawmaker recently updated her Instagram bio to reflect the singer’s surname, Idibia.

  • Suspension: Natasha, Akpabio, Senate, others disagree over plea to vacate court order

    Suspension: Natasha, Akpabio, Senate, others disagree over plea to vacate court order

    The suspended Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday, disagreed over the Senate’s application seeking to vacate the order made by a Federal High Court in Abuja on March 4.

    The Senate, in a motion on notice filed on March 17 by its lawyer, Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, had sought an order setting aside Order Number Four, among orders, in the enrolled ex-parte order made by Justice Obiora Egwuatu on March 4 against the defendants in Natasha’s suit.

    Natasha, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, had, in a motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, sued the clerk of the National Assembly (NASS) and the Senate as 1st and 2nd defendants.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan also named the President of the Senate, Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Sen. Neda Imasuem, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Code of Conduct as 3rd and 4th defendants respectively.

    The embattled lawmaker had sought an order of interim injunction restraining the Senate’s committee headed by Imasuem from proceeding with the purported investigation against her for alleged misconduct sequel to the events that occurred at the plenary on Feb. 20, pursuant to the referral by the Senate on Feb. 25, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.

    In order number four of the five reliefs she sought which Justice Egwuatu granted, Natasha had sought an order declaring that any action taken during the pendency of the suit is null, void and of no effect whatsoever.
    However, the Senate, through Ojukwu, sought an order setting aside the number four order.

    Ojukwu urged the judge to vacate the order in the interest of fair hearing.

    Citing Action 36(1) of the constitution, the lawyer argued that order number four was interlocutory in nature and ought not to have been granted by the court.

    “It is my submission that the court has made an interlocutory order. The court cannot make an order that will affect the other parties before the end of the case,” he said.

    The lawyer alleged that the court was misled into granting that order among other orders made.

    According to him, the order will offend Section 36(1) which talks about fair hearing
    He therefore urged the court to hold that the entire proceedings of March 4 upon which that breach occured was in nullity.

    Lawyer to the clerk, Charles Yoila; Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, who appeared for Akpabio and Umeh Kalu, SAN, who represented Imasuem, aligned themselves with Ojukwu’s argument.

    But Natasha’s counsel, Michael Numa, SAN, disagreed with their submissions.

    He described their argument as the conspiracy of the defence.

    “We filed an affidavit evidence of 12 paragraphs on March 18 in opposition to the motion on notice.

    “It is accompanied by six exhibits marked as Natasha 1 to Natasha 6D, chronicling the event that happened,” he said.

    The lawyer urged the court to dismiss the defence application and exercise its disciplinary powers on them for alleged contempt of the valid court order.

    He argued that the defendants had, with audacity, disobeyed the order of the court.

    While responding to the argument of Ojukwu, Numa submitted that “parties are bound by the prayers on the motion paper.”

    He urged the court to discountenance the application.

    The lawyer argued that the court must consider the entire orders in their ex-parte motion and not in piecemeal.
    He said their argument was immaterial.

    According to him, the Senate (2nd defendant) did not mention the propriety of Orders One, Two, Three and Five made by this honourable court.

    “The fact that Order Four was made is only an ancillary order to give effect to the motion that until the matter is dispensed with,” he said.

    Numa described the application by the defence as an affront on the court, that the judge should set aside the orders they had not challenged.

    He said the defendants had not even addressed the order directing them to show cause within 72 hours upon the service of the order.

    “This is an invitation to anarchy my lord,” he said, citing previous cases to back his argument.
    “Whatever reservation they have, their only duty is to come to court. The order was that the respondents to come and show the course

    “Their application is self-defeating,” he argued.

    Justice Egwuatu after listening to their argument, stood down the matter for ruling.

  • Natasha suspended solely for unruly behaviour – Senate tells IPU

    Natasha suspended solely for unruly behaviour – Senate tells IPU

    The Nigerian Senate has replied to Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan’s complaint to the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union, IPU through a letter by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.

    TodayPriceNG reported that Senator Natasha had taken her case before the global institution to prevail over what she described as an injustice meted on her.

    But reacting through a letter by the Senate which was read by the Chairperson of the House of Representatives committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, who is attending the event in an official capacity representing Nigeria.

    The Senate letter read in part, “Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behaviour and not as a result of allegation of sexual harassment or assault. The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation and false narrative being circulated by certain media organisations regarding the sixth months suspension of Senator Natsaha-Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    “Let it be unequivocally stated that Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent act of misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders.”

    The Nigerian Senate Representative called for a thorough investigation into the allegations raised by Senator Natasha against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

    She maintained that procedures and necessary actions under the Senate rules were observed before Senator Natasha’s suspension.

    Senator Natasha vowed to continue the fight against “injustice”. But in the wake of the suspension, Akpabio denied the accusations and maintained he has never assaulted women.

    Her altercation with the Senate president started on February 20, 2025, after her seat was changed during plenary.

    That is not the first time both individuals had issues. In July 2024, Akpabio had while trying to correct her for misconduct told her to follow the rules and that the Senate is not a nightclub where anybody can talk anyhow. The Akwa Ibom lawmaker, however, later apologised to her for the remark.

  • Natasha vs Akpabio: Nigerians won’t forgive 10th senate, if… – CSO

    ABUJA – The Advocacy for Integrity and Rule of Law (AIRL) has warned that the Nigerian Senate risks losing public trust and jeopardising the country’s democracy if it fails to manage the controversial suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan with caution.

    The group emphasised that the ongoing conflict between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan could tarnish the image and integrity of the upper legislative chamber.

    In a statement, AIRL Chairman Mohammed Ibrahim Gamawa urged the Senate to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could deny Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituency their right to representation.

    The group described the recent confrontations in the Senate and on social media as a ‘show of shame’ that could bring the institution into disrepute.

    AIRL further cautioned that if the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is not handled properly, it could escalate into a crisis that undermines Nigeria’s hard-won democracy.

    The group reminded the Tenth Senate of its role as representatives of the Nigerian people, warning that failure to resolve the crisis could have lasting consequences for the Senate’s legacy and Nigeria’s democratic stability.

    Gamawa stated, “The confrontation between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on the floor of the Senate and on social media is capable of bringing the hollow chamber into ridicule and discredit.

    “Nigerians are witnessing the recent and troubling events that unfolded in the Senate, which have opened a Pandora’s box in both local and international media. This can only be described as ‘Dancing Naked in the Marketplace’ by one of the three arms of government.

    “We hereby call on the Senate to meet the expectations of keeping the nation united, rather than straying from their primary responsibility of law-making.

    “Nigerians will not forgive the Tenth Senate if it continues down this troubling path that may threaten our hard-won democracy.

    “We urge our distinguished Senators to reflect on their role, remembering that they are not ordinary citizens but elected representatives of the people.”

  • Natasha: Atiku, PDP caution Senate leadership

    Natasha: Atiku, PDP caution Senate leadership

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said that Nigerian leaders are not creating an environment that enables women to thrive and contribute to the country’s development.

    Atiku, a former presidential candidate of the PDP, stated this on Friday through his media adviser, Paul Ibe, following the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP/Kogi Central) by the Senate.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan was on Thursday suspended for six months for flouting Senate rules after she rejected a new seating position assigned to her and accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment on live TV.

    Atiku described the Senate’s decision as an attack on affirmative action.

    “Has there been an investigation? No. So, Atiku’s position hasn’t changed. Whichever way you look at this, there is a concern. Any society that does not optimally use the assets available to it, particularly by giving women the opportunity to thrive, is failing,” he said.

    “About half of our population is women, and if we don’t deliberately create an environment conducive to promoting women’s interests—whether in politics, business, or any other human endeavour—we are underutilising our potential.

    “We’re not providing half of our population the opportunities to thrive and add value to society. With International Women’s Day coming up on March 8, it raises serious concerns. The Senate’s action of suspending Natasha for six months without conducting an investigation is an attack on affirmative action.”

    Also, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, who spoke through his ex-media aide and the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Tanko Yunusa, also frowned on the development.

    “The situation is quite disappointing,” he lamented.

    PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, criticised Akpabio for not stepping down to allow an independent investigation into the sexual harassment allegations against him.

    Osadolor described the six-month suspension imposed on Akpoti-Uduaghan as shameful.

    The PDP youth leader equally dragged opposition lawmakers for failing to speak out and make their voices heard when it mattered most.

    He stated, “The Senate President should have excused himself; he wasn’t truly a man of integrity. He should have stepped aside and allowed the investigation to proceed. I was deeply moved by this, and I’m sure every person of goodwill would be as well.

    “Natasha could have been our sister, our wife, our daughter, or our mother. To see them all gang up and use state power and bureaucracy to silence her voice is shameful. For me, it was even more shameful for the opposition members on the floor of the Senate. They failed to speak up when it mattered.

    “They were trying to stay in Akpabio’s good books. Looking at the whole situation, no one could stand up to be counted because they didn’t want to be kicked out or labelled as rebels. It’s a shame. But I believe Natasha has made her points. Though the majority will have their way, the minority will also have their day.”

  • I slept in Dangote cement factory on Natasha’s wedding day  – Akpabio

    I slept in Dangote cement factory on Natasha’s wedding day – Akpabio

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has claimed that he slept inside the Dangote Cement factory in Obajana Kogi State on the wedding day of the Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    Akpabio, a former Minister of the Niger Delta, stated this on Thursday during plenary at the National Assembly.

    Akpabio described Natasha’s husband as his good friend, stressing that his attendance at their wedding signifies his closeness to the family.

    He said, “ I slept in the Dangote cement factory in Obajana, Kogi State on the night of Senator Natasha’s wedding because the Kogi airport lights were in a poor state.

    TodayPriceNG Online reports that the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions had recommended the suspension of the Kogi lawmaker for six months.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has claimed that he slept inside the Dangote Cement factory in Obajana Kogi State on the wedding day of the Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    Akpabio, a former Minister of the Niger Delta, stated this on Thursday during plenary at the National Assembly.

    Akpabio described Natasha’s husband as his good friend, stressing that his attendance at their wedding signifies his closeness to the family.

    He said, “ I slept in the Dangote cement factory in Obajana, Kogi State on the night of Senator Natasha’s wedding because the Kogi airport lights were in a poor state.

    PUNCH Online reports that the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions had recommended the suspension of the Kogi lawmaker for six months.

  • Apologise to him now — Akpabio’s supporters tell Natasha

    Apologise to him now — Akpabio’s supporters tell Natasha

    A group of women have stormed the National Assembly to demand an apology from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over her sexual harassment allegation against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

    The group under the aegis of United Women for Good Governance stormed the National Assembly with placards on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

    Inscriptions on some of the placards read, “Apologise to the Senate President”; “We say no to Natasha serial blackmailing”; Akpabio treated Natasha as a daughter and friend.”

    The senator representing Kogi Central had recently accused Akpabio of sexually harassing her during a visit to his residence in December 2023 and again when she sought answers about her Ajaokuta Steel Company motion.

    She had also previously clashed with the Senate President over her seating arrangement, alleging that she was deliberately isolated from other senators.

    Below are pictures of the protesters at the National Assembly.

  • Natasha submits sexual harassment petition against Akpabio in senate

    Natasha submits sexual harassment petition against Akpabio in senate

    Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Wednesday formally submitted a petition to the Senate, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.

    Speaking under Order 40 of the Senate Rules monitored by Vanguard live, Akpoti-Uduaghan stated that she had previously made the allegations during an interview on a national broadcast television station but was now officially presenting them before the Senate.

    Akpabio, in response, directed her to proceed with the submission.

    Her petition submission came hours after rival protests erupted at the National Assembly, with her supporters calling for Akpabio’s resignation, while a pro-Akpabio group dismissed the allegations.

    Details later

  • I’ve never harassed any woman — Akpabio responds to Natasha’s petition

    I’ve never harassed any woman — Akpabio responds to Natasha’s petition

    The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has denied the sexual harassment allegation levied against him by his colleague, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    Responding to the petition submitted against him (Akpabio) at the plenary session on Wednesday, the Senate President said, “I will like to state clearly that at no time did I ever attempt any sexual harassment on the said Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan or any other woman for that matter. I and my siblings were raised very well by my late single mother who died in year 2000.”

  • Photos: Natasha storms NASS as Pro-Akpabio, Akpoti-Uduaghan supporters clash

    Photos: Natasha storms NASS as Pro-Akpabio, Akpoti-Uduaghan supporters clash

    Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Wednesday stormed the National Assembly amid protests by her supporters demanding Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s resignation, as well as a counter-protest by pro-Akpabio demonstrators.

    The senator representing Kogi Central had recently accused Akpabio of sexually harassing her during a visit to his residence in December 2023 and again when she sought answers about her Ajaokuta Steel motion. She had also previously clashed with the Senate President over her seating arrangement, alleging that she was deliberately isolated from other senators.

    As Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at the protest scene near the Mopol gate, her supporters erupted in cheers, waving placards with messages such as “Akpabio must go” and “We stand with Senator Natasha.” The protesters, including members of civil society groups, insisted on a thorough investigation into her allegations.

    Meanwhile, a rival group of pro-Akpabio demonstrators staged a counter-protest, holding banners with inscriptions like “We say no to Natasha’s serial blackmailing” and “Akpabio treated Natasha as a daughter and friend.”

    Earlier, security personnel, some not in uniform, had dispersed the initial wave of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters with tear gas at the National Assembly Arcade, opposite Eagle Square.

    The protesters, who had begun gathering around 9 a.m., were forced to retreat but later regrouped at a nearby location to continue their demonstration.

    See photos below: