From Emmanuel Adeyemi, Lokoja
A UK-based leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Princess Grace Iye Adejoh, has expressed disappointment over Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent action in taking her dispute with the Senate President to the UN Inter-Parliamentary Union, describing it as premature and unwise.
The PDP Women Leader said the issue was not beyond amicable settlement locally, stressing that the senator’s action was counterproductive and capable of denting Nigeria’s image among the comity of nations.
Princess Grace Iye Adejoh, a former PDP governorship aspirant, however, called on the Senate to immediately lift the suspension order on Natasha and allow peace to reign.
In a press statement made available to newsmen in Lokoja, Princess Grace Iye Adejoh said she was one of the people solidly behind the senator and opposed the six-month suspension imposed on her by the Senate but stressed that Natasha must now tread carefully to give peace a chance.
The statement reads:
‘Over the weekend, I lent my voice to the call for a truce between the Senate and my sister, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. From the start, my stance has been clear—the six-month suspension imposed on Natasha is excessive and carries far-reaching consequences for the people of Kogi State. With her suspension, their voices are effectively silenced in the Senate, which is unfair to those she represents.
‘Interestingly, many voices have also emerged, urging the Senate to consider a more amicable or lenient resolution in the interest of Nigeria, a country that has already become a subject of ridicule in many circles.
‘While we hoped for positive interventions through dialogue and mediation by elders and interest groups, I was taken aback by the senator’s decision to take the matter before the UN Inter-Parliamentary Union.
‘Was this a wise move? Perhaps not. It seems premature. Apart from a few political adversaries and envious individuals, Natasha is widely loved and respected. Her intelligence, resilience, and compassionate nature have not only made her a leading figure in Kogi State but also someone admired even by those who may not always agree with her.
‘It is no surprise that she has received overwhelming support since this battle began. Many of us have vowed to stand by her side until justice is served and she is reinstated. However, taking the matter outside our national “family circle” comes as an unpleasant surprise.
‘As a democracy still in its formative stages, Nigeria faces its share of growing pains, often reflected in governance. In this particular case, the odds favoured Senator Natasha. With strong backing from women’s groups, civil rights organisations, and stakeholders from Kogi State, a positive resolution seemed likely through domestic pressure and negotiation.
‘At this point, the matter remains a “family dispute” that can still be resolved through dialogue and compromise. We had expected that more elders would intervene to douse the flames, allowing us to focus on more pressing national issues such as hunger, insurgency, and security crises that claim thousands of lives daily.
‘Taking the issue to the international stage may have drawn attention, but it is unlikely to yield results as effective as internal deliberations. That is why I am appealing to our beloved sister, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to return home. Many of us are actively working—both publicly and behind the scenes—to ensure that this crisis does not escalate further.
‘Now is not the time for hasty decisions, no matter how strategic they may seem.
‘To the Senate, I once again appeal—let us resolve this matter internally, as a family. Instead of allowing Nigeria’s reputation to be further tarnished, this is an opportunity to prove that we can handle our own affairs maturely. Yes, we can.
‘This is not a contest of “winners and losers”. The bigger picture is Nigeria’s national interest.
‘The UN Inter-Parliamentary Union has expressed interest in hearing from both sides. I sincerely hope that our Senate, Natasha, and the Senate President will take the noble path and resolve this dispute before it escalates further or even before a “hearing” by the UN. We are more than capable of doing so, and I trust we will,’ she added.
