In a recent BBC interview, she claimed that Akpabio had made a suggestive comment about her waist movements, saying “Natasha, your husband is really enjoying… it looks like you’d be able to make good movements with your waist”. Akpoti-Uduaghan also alleged that Akpabio would often squeeze her hands in a suggestive manner, which she believes is a form of sexual harassment.

The senator also shared another incident where Akpabio made a comment about her not wearing her wedding ring, asking if it was “an invitation to treat”. Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed her frustration, stating that she’s tired of being objectified and disrespected in the workplace. She emphasized that women in Nigeria and Africa often face similar challenges, and it’s essential to speak out against such behavior.

It’s worth noting that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate on March 6 for “gross misconduct and unruly behavior” following an altercation with Akpabio over seating arrangements.

Although the Senate claims that her suspension was unrelated to the petition, Akpoti-Uduaghan believes that her suspension is a clear example of the sexism and harassment she’s faced in the Senate.

Photo source: Instagram

Governor Siminalayi Fubara carried out two weeks of back-to-back project commissioning from Monday, March 3, to Friday, March 14, 2025, yet all they saw was insecurity.

Among the projects commissioned were three fire service stations abandoned for over a decade, one of the three zonal hospitals (Bori Zonal Hospital), Government Staff Quarters, Judges’ Quarters, the donation of a helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force, the construction and furnishing of the palace and residence of the Akpor Monarch, and the reconstructed Okrika Grammar School.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Osun State has rejected claims by the All Progressives Congress, APC, that the state is in crisis.

This is as the party dismissed calls for a state of emergency in Osun.

In a statement issued by the state chairman Sunday Bisi on Friday, Osun PDP described the APC’s stance as baseless and affirmed that democratic governance is functioning smoothly across all levels in the state.

The statement said, “There is no breakdown of governance in Osun. The judiciary is operational, the state assembly is active, and the executive is effectively discharging its duties.”

The PDP criticised the APC’s comparison of Osun to Rivers State, stating that the political dynamics in both states are entirely different.

“Osun is not Rivers, and any attempt to equate the two is misleading,” the statement read.

The party accused the APC of inciting the recent local government crisis and blamed the opposition for the violence that erupted during the dispute over council leadership.

It stressed that the APC’s call for a state of emergency is an act of desperation.

“Osun is enjoying democratic dividends, and the government is delivering on its promises despite the APC’s orchestrations to destabilise the state,” Bisi added.

“The Adeleke administration respects the judiciary. The local government dispute arose from illegal appointments made by the former administration. Governor Adeleke has been addressing these issues within the law.”

He referenced a recent meeting of traditional rulers in the state, where royal leaders expressed their support for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration.

“The state’s traditional institutions have commended the governor’s adherence to the rule of law,” Bisi said.

The PDP also refuted claims that the Adeleke administration disobeyed court orders, stating that the government has fully complied with judicial rulings

“The APC, on the other hand, continues to misinterpret court judgments for political gain. The governor acted swiftly to prevent further violence, urging all parties to respect legal procedures,” Bisi noted.

Regarding the employment controversy, the PDP maintained that the governor’s decision to review last-minute appointments by the previous administration was necessary and also criticised the APC’s past electoral practices, calling the opposition’s concerns about local elections hypocritical.

“Adeleke is ensuring that recruitment processes are based on merit and financial sustainability. The APC’s local council election was conducted in violation of the law. They have no moral ground to criticise a properly conducted election,” Bisi said.

The PDP accused Osun APC leader Ajibola Bashiru of seeking power through unconstitutional means alleging that rather than embracing the rule of law, the APC is attempting to seize control through violence and misinformation.

Addressing concerns about a strike by local government workers, the PDP said the unrest was caused by security fears following recent violence adding that despite political tensions, the PDP assured that governance in Osun remains stable.

Earlier, the Osun APC in a statement by Kola Olabisi, its Media and Information Director urged the presidency to declare a state of emergency in the state.

The party cited a total collapse of governance at the grassroots level for the reason for the call and claimed that Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration has rendered local governments non-functional.