Senate Responds to Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension Controversy
The Nigerian Senate has defended its decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, maintaining that it was due to misconduct, not her allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a letter to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele dismissed claims that Natasha’s suspension was linked to her petition against Akpabio. The letter, read at a UN parliamentary conference in New York by Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, stated that her removal followed Senate regulations.
“She was suspended solely for misconduct and disregard for Senate rules,” the letter emphasized.
Ogbara, however, called for an independent investigation into Natasha’s allegations.
The controversy erupted after the Senate dismissed Natasha’s petition and proceeded with her suspension. Undeterred, she vowed to continue pushing back against what she described as “injustice.”
Tensions between Natasha and Akpabio date back to February when a change in her seating arrangement sparked a dispute. In July 2024, Akpabio publicly corrected her, remarking that “the Senate is not a nightclub,” a comment for which he later apologized.
While Natasha continues to challenge the suspension, Akpabio has denied all allegations against him. The situation remains a topic of intense debate.
