Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akpabio revealed that he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against people he accused of defaming him.

He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.

“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”

In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan.

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Okolugbo communicated his decision in a letter that was addressed to the President of the Senate through his Chief of Staff, Chinedu Akubueze, citing “business and family commitments” as the reason for stepping aside.

In the resignation letter, Okolugbo expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve at the highest level of the legislative arm of government, noting the privilege of working closely with the leadership of the National Assembly.

“I have enjoyed working with the team. I should also point out the privilege of being an adviser to the number three citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

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“The Senate cannot and will not be held hostage by the disruptive instincts of any of its members,” Akpabio said. “Democracy thrives only when its institutions are respected and its rules upheld.”

The Senate President’s remarks come in the wake of tensions with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central), who recently resumed duties after a six-month suspension. The senator has continued to challenge the legitimacy of her suspension, sparking fresh controversy within the upper chamber.

Akpabio emphasized that discipline and adherence to Senate rules are essential for maintaining the sanctity of Nigeria’s democracy.

“The discipline of parliamentary conduct is a universal marker of political civilisation,” he said. “In the United Kingdom’s House of Commons, the authority of the Speaker is absolute and unchallenged. No member, regardless of party or popularity, may openly defy the Speaker’s ruling without consequences.”

He noted that the Senate’s Standing Orders are not “ceremonial relics” but a living framework designed to ensure fairness, consistency, and legislative integrity.

Defending the Senate’s right to sanction members who violate these rules, Akpabio pointed to global precedents. “In the world’s most respected parliaments, members who flout rules face swift consequences. In the British House of Commons, suspension or expulsion is not rare when a member’s behaviour undermines parliamentary dignity. Nigeria’s Senate has every right to apply similar standards.”

Describing the 10th Senate as “a chamber of resilience and balance,” Akpabio said the leadership is committed to proving that “freedom within order is the truest form of democracy.”

Read Also: Akpabio Says More Opposition Governors Preparing To Defect To APC

“When the chamber asserts that it will not be held hostage by the disruptive instincts of any single member, it is affirming the primacy of collective responsibility over individual grandstanding,” he added. “This is how strong legislatures endure not by silencing dissent, but by ensuring that dissent respects the bounds of procedure.”

Akpabio also underscored the importance of firm but inclusive leadership, arguing that the Senate must remain a stabilising force amid growing populism and public distrust.

“Leadership of this sort does not seek applause; it seeks stability,” he said. “By upholding its Standing Orders, the Senate has reclaimed its moral authority and demonstrated that rules, properly enforced, are not instruments of oppression but shields against institutional decay.”

Source: Channels

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As a result, Bassey replaces Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, whose leadership of the committee had been uncertain due to her suspension.

Recall that in a minor reshuffle, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was removed as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content and reassigned to the Diaspora and NGOs Committee.

Although no formal explanation was provided for her replacement, it is thought that the move may not be unconnected to her suspension.

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court had ordered Natasha’s reinstatement, mandating her to tender an apology to the Senate for her conduct.

But the Senate maintains it is yet to receive a certified true copy of the court’s judgement.

Natasha, on her part, is yet to tender the apology.

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The institutions are College of Education, Bende, Abia; Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item, Bende, Abia and Federal University, Okigwe, Imo.

Akpabio made the commendation in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh.
The president of senate also praised stakeholders in both the House of Representatives and the Senate for their steadfastness and support for the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of the Tinubu administration.

Akpabio extolled the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu for sponsoring the two of the bills.

He noted that the three institutions aim to provide quality education, research opportunities and cater for the educational needs of the South-East geo-political zone and healthcare delivery to advance knowledge.

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The lawmaker, who addressed journalists shortly after the president’s address, alleged that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, violated his constitutional right during the event.

According to him, Akpabio rushed through President Tinubu’s letters to the National Assembly and ignored his intervention.

The Senator lamented that Akpabio “completely disregarded” his right as a Senator to “raise a constitutional issue”.

Reports have it that some stakeholders have tackled the president for ignoring the pains of Nigerians but focusing on politics.

Expectations of many Nigerians were dashed as the president’s speech allegedly failed to capture important issues bedeviling the nation.

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In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, members of the Progressive Governors Forum, as well as serving and past lawmakers.

The President had earlier cancelled his previously scheduled nationwide broadcast in commemoration of Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Day anniversary.

In his address, Akpabio stated that while 107 bills are currently at various committee stages, 499 bills have ‘advanced to the second stage in the Senate.’

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A three-member panel of the appellate court, presided over by Justice Hamman Barka, struck out the motions following the request for withdrawal of the appeal by him.

The motions listed Akpabio as the appellant. The respondents were Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuem.

The court, in its ruling, held that the application seeking to withdraw the two motions was granted and the motions, struck out.

The appellate court further held that the cost of ₦100,000 was awarded to Senator Natasha, and the appeal was dismissed.

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This was made known in a statement by the Senate President media aide, Eseme Eyiboh.
Akpoti-Uduaghan made the allegation while addressing her supporters in Kogi.

The embattled senator alleged that the Senate President sought the help of Bello to assassinate her in Kogi State rather than in Abuja,’ a claim the state government has since debunked.

Read Also: Natasha sues Akpabio for defamation, demands N1.3bn damages

Reacting to this, Akpabio said there was no truth in her allegation, labelling it as a deliberate smear campaign to make him look like a bad leader in the eye of the public.

According to him, this outrageous accusation is not only false but a complete fabrication and deeply irresponsible and dangerous attempt to provoke public unrest, attract media attention, and discredit the person and office of the President of the Senate for ulterior motives.

Akpabio further berated former lawmaker representing Adamawa North Senatorial District, Elisha Abbo, reiterating that he has no hand in his removal from the National Assembly as claimed.

Recall that Abbo was sacked by a Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on October 16, 2023, but the former lawmaker, who featured on a live programme on a national television blamed Akpabio for his predicament.

The politician equally accused the Senate President of running the upper Chamber like an emperor.

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The group as a result issued a 7-day ultimatum for Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to step aside, warning of mass protests and international mobilization if their demand was not met.

They alleged that Natasha’s six-month suspension was orchestrated in retaliation for a petition she submitted accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment.

Read Also: Natasha sues Akpabio for defamation

The groups criticized the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for proceeding with disciplinary actions despite a Federal High Court order restraining them from doing so.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu had earlier granted the order after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team filed an ex-parte application.

However, the Senate ignored the ruling and went ahead with the suspension.

They further questioned the unusual speed with which the Senate investigated, deliberated, and adopted the committee’s report.

The statement noted that Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, as the Senate Leader, justifying the urgency of the process reeks of bias and raises doubts about the integrity of the proceedings.

The groups proposed that an expanded probe panel be constituted, with its proceedings broadcast live by local and international media.

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