The Nigerian Senate on Thursday suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, for a period of six months following allegations of misconduct and her failure to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
The suspension comes in the wake of sexual harassment allegations leveled by Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She accused Akpabio of obstructing her legislative motions, particularly concerning the revitalization of the Ajaokuta Steel Company, and alleged that he made derogatory remarks about her during a Senate session—a comment for which Akpabio later apologized.
Presenting the committee’s report during plenary, the chairman of the Ethics Committee, Senator Neda Imasuen, stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan was found guilty of misconduct due to her refusal to participate in the committee’s proceedings. The committee recommended that her salary and security details be suspended during the six-month period and advised that she issue a formal apology to the Senate for disrespecting the institution.
As part of the disciplinary action, Akpoti-Uduaghan will also be barred from accessing the National Assembly premises, and her office will remain locked until the suspension ends.
During the deliberation on the committee’s recommendations, Senator Abba Moro appealed for leniency, suggesting the suspension be reduced to three months. “We plead that the 6-month suspension for Senator Natasha is reduced to 3 months, if convenient for the Senate and Mr. President. Three months is sufficient for some level of restitution,” he said.
This suspension adds a dramatic twist to the ongoing controversy in the Senate, as Akpabio continues to deny all allegations of harassment and maintains his respect for women.
The Senate’s final resolution reflects growing tensions over the matter and leaves Akpoti-Uduaghan temporarily out of legislative duties until further notice.
