The Nigerian Senate has refuted claims that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central was suspended for accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.
In a statement, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele clarified that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended due to her repeated violation of Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended), as well as her unparliamentary conduct during plenary sessions.
He added that if she submits a written apology, her suspension could be lifted before the six months expire.
Bamidele criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan for allegedly misrepresenting the situation to the public.
He further explained that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition on sexual harassment did not meet the Senate’s established procedural requirements for submitting petitions.
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Bamidele argued that if she followed the proper guidelines, the Senate would have reviewed the petition on its merits.
The decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan was made by a Committee of the whole Senate after reviewing a report from the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges.
The statement listed multiple infractions leading to her suspension to include speaking without being recognized by the presiding officer during plenary on February 25, 2025, engaging in unruly and disruptive behaviour, obstructing Senate proceedings, making abusive and disrespectful remarks against Senate leadership and defying summons from the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges.
(Editor: Okechukwu Eze)
