The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months due to her alleged violation of Senate rules. The suspension followed her dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she accused of sexual harassment. Akpabio has denied the allegations. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was recommended by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct. The committee found her guilty of violating Senate rules after its investigation.
“That the Senate do suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for her total violation of the Senate Standing Rules (2023 as amended for bringing the presiding officer and the entire Nigerian Senate to public opprobrium,” Senate President Godswill Akpabio said on Thursday while reading out the recommendations of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct probing her claims. Some senators attempted to reduce the suspension period to three months, but the majority voted to uphold the six-month sanction. Despite the efforts to reduce the suspension, the Senate ultimately decided to uphold the original decision.
However, the Senate ruled that the suspension could be lifted or reduced if Akpoti-Uduaghan submits a written apology. This condition provides an opportunity for her to potentially reduce or lift the suspension.“For the Senate to consider lifting this suspension or reducing the tenure of the suspension, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan shall submit a written apology to the Senate before her reconsideration by the Nigerian Senate,” Akpabio said at the Red Chambers on Thursday. It, however, agreed that her aides’ salaries be paid, contrary to the recommendation of the committee.
“The aides of Natasha are not Natasha,” Senator Orji Kalu said while calling for an amendment to the sanctions. “It would be wrong for this Senate to deprive these aides of their allowances.” Following the announcement, Akpoti-Uduaghan was escorted out of the chambers by the Sergeant-at-Arms. Before leaving, she declared, “This injustice would not be sustained.” Her statement reflects her disagreement with the Senate’s decision.
The controversy began on February 20, 2025, with a seating arrangement dispute between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio. She subsequently accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and alleged abuse of office. Akpoti-Uduaghan submitted a petition on the floor of the upper lawmaking body.
The Senate Committee on Public Conduct, Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions had earlier dismissed her claims, citing a breach of due process and legal limitations. The committee headed by Neda Imaseun (Edo South) declared her petition “dead on arrival.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker’s suspension is the culmination of weeks of claims and counter-claims between her, Akpabio, and the Senate. The development has generated significant interest and debate in the Nigerian political sphere.The suspension marks a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Akpabio. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the controversy will be resolved and what implications it will have for the Nigerian Senate and its members.
