Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has reacted to her six-month suspension by the Senate, which comes amid her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The Nigerian Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months following her allegations, with the suspension also including the withdrawal of her salary and security details.
The decision was recommended by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions and was unanimously supported by lawmakers through a voice vote during plenary.
As the voting was ongoing, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, protested the decision. “This injustice will not be sustained,” she declared before her microphone was cut off.
The controversy surrounding the senator escalated after she refused to move to her designated seat, citing Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules, which protects members’ privileges. Her actions led to a disciplinary review by the Senate Committee on Ethics. Before the committee could present its findings, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan publicly accused Akpabio of sexual harassment during a live television interview, alleging that the Senate President was targeting her because she rejected his advances.
During Thursday’s plenary session on March 6, 2025, she resubmitted her petition against Akpabio after the initial submission was rejected on procedural grounds. Akpabio has denied the allegations, stating, “I have never harassed any woman.”
The suspension has sparked widespread debate, with some viewing it as a necessary measure to maintain Senate decorum, while others see it as an attempt to silence dissent.
