Akpabio, right, smd Natasha
Senator Natasha Not Suspended Over Sexual Harassment Allegation, Senate Writes UN
The complaint filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) conference in New York has sparked widespread reactions. The Kogi lawmaker brought her case before the global body, seeking intervention over what she described as injustice. The IPU has assured her that it will take necessary steps to address her grievances after hearing from all parties involved.
In response, the Nigerian Senate, through a letter by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, defended its decision to suspend Senator Natasha. The letter, read by Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, clarified that the suspension was due to “gross misconduct and unruly behaviour,” not allegations of sexual harassment or assault.
The Senate’s letter stated, “The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation and false narrative being circulated by certain media organisations regarding the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Let it be unequivocally stated that Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent acts of misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders.”
Honorable Ogbara also called for a thorough investigation into Senator Natasha’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She emphasized that due process and Senate rules were followed before the suspension was enacted.
Senator Natasha was suspended last week after submitting a petition accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment, which the Senate dismissed. She has vowed to continue her fight against what she terms “injustice.” Akpabio, however, has denied the allegations, stating that he has never assaulted women.
The conflict between Senator Natasha and Akpabio began on February 20, 2025, when her seat was changed during a plenary session. This was not their first clash; in July 2024, Akpabio had reprimanded her for misconduct, telling her to follow Senate rules and remarking that the Senate “is not a nightclub where anybody can talk anyhow.” He later apologized for the comment.
The suspension has ignited debates across Nigeria, with many questioning the Senate’s handling of the matter and calling for transparency in addressing the allegations.
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