The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months over alleged violations of the chamber’s standing rules.
The decision, announced on Thursday, follows a dispute between the Kogi Central lawmaker and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she accused of sexual harassment—an allegation he has denied.
Akpabio, while reading the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, stated that the suspension was necessary due to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s alleged actions, which he claimed had brought the Senate into disrepute.
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,” Akpabio declared.
Despite attempts by some lawmakers to reduce the suspension to three months, the Senate upheld the six-month penalty through a majority vote. However, the lawmakers provided an opportunity for a reconsideration of her suspension if she submits a written apology to the Senate.
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 added.
In a related development, the Senate ruled that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension would not affect the salaries of her aides. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu advocated for this exemption, arguing that the staff should not suffer as a result of their principal’s suspension.
The aides of Natasha are not Natasha,” Kalu emphasized. “It would be wrong for this Senate to Following the announcement, Akpoti-Uduaghan was escorted out of the chamber by the Sergeant-At-Arms. Before leaving, she strongly criticized the decision, insisting that it was unjust.
Her suspension has sparked debate, with critics questioning the fairness of the proceedings, particularly the fact that Akpabio presided over a case involving allegations against himself.
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Some observers argue that the incident highlights broader concerns about legislative accountability and due process in Nigeria.
