Olayiwola Matthew
The Nigerian Senate on Thursday defended its decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the Inter-Parliamentary Union, stating that her suspension was not related to allegations of sexual harassment but due to gross misconduct.
In a letter signed by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, and read by Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, Nigeria’s representative at the IPU event, the Senate dismissed claims that Natasha’s six-month suspension was unjust.
The letter clarified that Senator Natasha was suspended for persistent misconduct and disregard for Senate Standing Orders. It also refuted alleged misinformation being spread by some media outlets.
The Senate representative further called for a thorough investigation into the allegations Natasha raised against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, stressing that all due procedures were followed before her suspension.
Senator Natasha’s conflict with Akpabio began on February 20, 2025, after her seat was changed during plenary.
This was not their first altercation, as in July 2024, Akpabio had reprimanded her for misconduct, stating that the Senate is not a nightclub where anyone can speak arbitrarily. He later apologized for the remark.
Despite her suspension, Natasha has vowed to continue fighting against what she calls injustice, while Akpabio has denied all allegations of misconduct or assault.