The Nigerian Senate has adopted a recommendation to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, for six months. This decision follows the report presented by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen (Labour Party, Edo South), which found Akpoti-Uduaghan in violation of Senate rules.
The committee’s investigation was prompted by allegations of sexual harassment that Akpoti-Uduaghan leveled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The committee noted that Akpoti-Uduaghan had taken legal action to prevent the Senate from performing its constitutional duties under Section 88(1) of the 1999 Constitution, while simultaneously submitting a petition on sexual harassment to the Senate, expecting it to be acted upon.
The committee’s recommendations, as read by Senator Imasuen, include;
A six-month suspension effective from March 6, 2025.
During the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s office will be locked, and she will be barred from accessing the National Assembly premises.
Her salaries and those of her legislative aides will be withheld for the suspension period.
She will be prohibited from representing Nigeria in any official capacity as a senator during the suspension.
That for the Senate to consider lifting or reducing the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan will be required to submit a written apology to the Senate.
The Senate adopted these recommendations during Thursday’s plenary session, effectively stripping Akpoti-Uduaghan of all legislative privileges for the duration of her suspension.
This suspension is the latest development in the ongoing dispute between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio. The conflict began over a seating arrangement issue and escalated when Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office. She alleged that her motions, particularly concerning the Ajaokuta Steel Company, were deliberately blocked and claimed that Akpabio referred to her as a “nightclub girl” on the Senate floor, a remark for which he later apologized.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has the option to submit a written apology to the Senate, which may lead to a reconsideration of her suspension. Until then, she remains barred from all Senate activities and privileges.
