A light moment played out during Tuesday’s plenary as Senate President Godswill Akpabio marked his 63rd birthday, an occasion that coincides with the 47th birthday of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central.
Following Senate tradition, Akpabio called out the names of senators celebrating birthdays for recognition and goodwill messages.
He mentioned his own name first, then paused noticeably before adding, “and another person, Distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.”
His tone sparked laughter across the chamber, with senators reacting to the Senate President’s amusement as he acknowledged his colleague.
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The undertone was unmistakable: Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan have had a strained relationship for months.
Just last week, their long-running dispute resurfaced online after Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed that Akpabio had filed a N200 billion lawsuit against her over a sexual harassment allegation she made earlier in the year.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months by the Senate for misconduct and violating standing rules—following a dispute over seating arrangements that escalated into disorderly behaviour during plenary.
Although she alleged on February 20, 2025, that Akpabio sexually harassed her, the Senate maintained that her suspension was based solely on rule violations and actions that brought the chamber into disrepute.
