The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has sparked reactions following her petition to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) at the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Conference in New York.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, took her case to the IPU, seeking intervention over what she described as an unjust suspension.
After presenting her concerns, the IPU assured her that it would review her complaint and also seek the perspective of the Nigerian Senate before taking further action.
In response, the Senate Majority Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, sent a letter to the IPU, refuting the claims made by Senator Natasha.
The letter, which was read by Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, the Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, stated:
“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behavior, not due to any allegations of sexual harassment or assault. The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria strongly refutes the misinformation being spread by some media outlets regarding her six-month suspension.”
“Her suspension was based solely on her persistent misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders.”
Despite the Senate’s defense, Honorable Ogbara called for a thorough investigation into Natasha’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
She emphasized that all Senate procedures were properly followed before the decision to suspend Natasha was made.
Senator Natasha was suspended last week, a move that has continued to spark nationwide debate.
Prior to her suspension, she had submitted a petition accusing Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment, but lawmakers dismissed the complaint before proceeding with disciplinary action.
Her dispute with Akpabio reportedly began on February 20, 2025, when her seat was relocated during plenary, leading to a heated exchange that escalated into a larger confrontation.
Senator Natasha has vowed to continue fighting what she describes as an injustice. Meanwhile, Senate President Akpabio has denied all allegations, insisting he has never engaged in any form of harassment or assault.
