Senator Natasha Akpoti, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has accused unnamed authorities of withholding her international passport, thereby stopping her from travelling out of the country.
Speaking during a live broadcast on her Facebook page on Tuesday morning, Senator Akpoti expressed frustration over what she described as an unjust and politically motivated action.
She explained that after completing the celebration of her second year in office, she had planned to take a short break outside the country.
However, she said her travel plans were disrupted when officials reportedly refused to release her passport.
According to the lawmaker, this is not the first time such an incident has occurred.
She recalled a similar experience in the past where, according to her, the officer in charge claimed that the directive came from the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
“I have not committed any offence, and there is no court order stopping me from travelling.
The last time this happened, the officer in charge told us that the Senate President instructed them to hold on to my passport and prevent me from leaving the country,” she said.
Senator Akpoti described the situation as a clear violation of her rights and urged the authorities to respect the rule of law.
She added that as a serving senator, she deserves the same level of freedom and respect accorded to other lawmakers.
“I serve the people of Kogi Central with dedication, and I have always acted in line with the law. It is unfair and humiliating to be treated this way without any legal justification,” she lamented.
The senator called on Nigerians and relevant institutions to take note of her ordeal, emphasizing that no one should be above the law or use power to intimidate others.