I have heard more from Natasha, husband – Senator Dickson

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Bayelsa Senator, Henry Seriake Dickson in company of some opposition lawmakers on Friday visited his suspended colleague, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, in her Abuja home.

Dickson met Natasha who was suspended for six months by the Senate on Thursday over her face off with Senate President Akpabio on seating arrangement in the legislative chamber alongside her husband.

The Kogi Central Senator had also accused the Senate President of victimizing her because she refused his sexual advances during a live television interview.

Commenting on the visit, Dickson said though he is a member of the Senate Committee on Code of Conduct, Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, he was not part of the meeting where decision was taken to suspend Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, from the Senate.

Dickson, who was in company of other opposition senators however said he ‘heard more’ about the dispute during the visit and will continue to work to reconcile both parties.

Senator Dickson wrote: “The public may recall that, for the past 3 days, I was attending the 3 day workshop on the Tax Reform Bills which started on Wednesday 5th of March and ended this evening, Friday 7th of March. This is why I was not available yesterday to sit as a member of the Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, Privileges and Public Petitions in respect of the issues concerning our colleague Distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan’s suspension, haven been assured by the Committee Chairman that the hearing would hold on Wednesday the 11th of March for which notices had already been issued. I was not notified of the emergency seating yesterday.

“As a result of the strong views I had already canvassed, my colleagues and I were working on the Tax Reform Bills yesterday and as such was unable to join the plenary sitting which considered the report of the Ethics Committee that deliberated and approved the suspension.

“This evening after concluding the retreat, I led a delegation of some senators of opposition parties on a visit to our colleague Senator Natasha and met with her and her husband at their home.

“Senators as humans, have their low and high moments and it is a tradition for Senators to support each other during these moments.

“We offered words of encouragement, prayers and advice on a quick resolution of the issues surrounding her suspension. Having heard more from her and her husband for the first time, I will discuss with other colleagues on how to intervene and engage with the leadership of the senate to resolve the issues as soon as possible.”