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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan recounts her isolation during her six-month suspension.
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Says political fear stopped fellow lawmakers from publicly supporting her.
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Describes her ordeal as proof of how intimidation shapes government behaviour.
Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has revealed why her colleagues in the National Assembly failed to stand by her during her six-month suspension.
Speaking during the commissioning of a new market in Okene, Kogi State, Senator Natasha said many of her colleagues feared political persecution if they publicly supported her.
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She explained that although some senators privately reached out to her to express solidarity, they avoided open association due to fear of political backlash.
According to her, the experience exposed the extent of fear and intimidation that influence conduct within government institutions.
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She said, “When a government official faces challenges, isolation comes naturally. Even when people are sympathetic, they are afraid to associate with you openly for fear of being castigated or persecuted.”
She added that while some of her colleagues called and visited her privately, they could not show support publicly.
The lawmaker, who described her suspension as illegal, said she holds no grudges against those who distanced themselves from her during the ordeal.
Senator Natasha was suspended in March over allegations involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio but was reinstated after six months and returned to the Red Chamber in September.
