Senator Zam Clarifies Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's Non-Membership in NCDC Committee
Senator Titus Zam, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), has publicly addressed the recent controversy involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. In a statement, Zam firmly stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is not a member of the NCDC committee. This clarification comes after a heated confrontation in Zam's office, where Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that her name was omitted from the attendance register for a committee meeting held on Monday, February 16.
Background of the Dispute
The incident unfolded when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan visited Senator Zam's office to express her grievances. According to reports, she created a scene, shouting and asserting that she would not allow her colleagues to undermine the people she represents. In a statement posted on her Instagram page, Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that as a lawmaker from the North Central region, she was entitled to attend the meeting but was conspicuously excluded. She further mentioned that she was not included in any media platforms where information about the committee's activities was being shared, adding to her frustration.
Zam's Detailed Response
In his reaction, Senator Zam provided a detailed explanation to counter Akpoti-Uduaghan's claims. He emphasized that she was not a member of the NCDC committee and, therefore, could not have been invited to the budget defence meeting. Zam highlighted that two other senators from Kogi State are indeed members: Senator Isah Jibrin, who serves as the vice-chairman of the NCDC committee, and Senator Sunday Karimi, who is a regular member.
Zam elaborated on the committee's composition, noting that many senators from the North Central region are not members due to the principle of national character, which mixes senators from various zones across Nigeria in development commission committees. For instance, he cited Senator Pam Mwadkon from Plateau State as another non-member, as Senators Diket Plang and Simon Lalong represent that state in the committee.
According to Zam, Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at his office several hours after the budget defence meeting had concluded to complain about not being invited. He recounted telling her directly that she was not a member and, thus, ineligible for an invitation. A brief argument ensued, during which Zam advised her to approach the senate committee on selection to lodge her complaint formally. After some back-and-forth discussion, Akpoti-Uduaghan eventually left the office.
Implications and Broader Context
This incident sheds light on the internal dynamics and procedural issues within the Nigerian Senate, particularly regarding committee memberships and representation. The NCDC committee plays a crucial role in overseeing development initiatives in the North Central region, making membership a point of contention for lawmakers seeking to advocate for their constituencies.
The viral video of the confrontation has sparked discussions on social media and among political analysts, highlighting tensions between senators and the importance of clear communication in legislative processes. Zam's statement aims to set the record straight, emphasizing adherence to established protocols and the distribution of committee roles based on national character principles.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen whether Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will pursue her complaint through the official channels suggested by Zam. This episode underscores the ongoing challenges in Nigeria's political landscape, where representation and inclusion are often debated amidst procedural frameworks.
