Senate Defends Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension, Dismisses Harassment Allegations
The Nigerian Senate has justified its decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stating that her suspension was due to misconduct rather than allegations of harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a letter addressed to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele refuted Natasha’s claims made at a United Nations parliamentary conference in New York, emphasizing that her suspension had nothing to do with her petition against Akpabio.
“The Senate firmly refutes the misinformation and false narrative surrounding Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension,” the letter stated.
“She was suspended solely for repeated misconduct and disregard for the Senate’s rules.”
The letter was read at the conference by Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs, who represented Nigeria. However, she urged that Natasha’s harassment allegations be properly investigated.
Natasha was suspended last week following the Senate’s dismissal of her petition against Akpabio. Despite this, she remains resolute in her fight against what she describes as “injustice.”
The rift between Natasha and Akpabio dates back to February when a seating arrangement change during plenary led to tensions. In July 2024, Akpabio had publicly reprimanded her for alleged misconduct, remarking that “the Senate is not a nightclub.” He later apologized for the comment.
Meanwhile, Akpabio has denied the harassment claims, insisting that Natasha’s accusations are false. The controversy continues to spark debates both in Nigeria and beyond.
