The Nigerian Senate has formally responded to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s complaint to the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Conference in New York regarding her suspension.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had called for international intervention on Tuesday, March 11, alleging that her six-month suspension resulted from her accusation of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
However, the Senate has strongly refuted these claims, stating that her suspension was due to misconduct rather than the allegations she raised.
In a letter signed by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate dismissed her claims as misinformation.
The letter, which was read at the conference by Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, 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 behaviour and not as a result of allegation of sexu@l harassment or ass@ult.”
The statement further emphasized that her suspension was based on her “persistent act of misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders.”
The Senate maintained that all due procedures were followed before the decision was made.
Meanwhile, Ogbara, while representing Nigeria at the conference, urged for a thorough investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims against Akpabio.
She stressed the need for transparency, stating that any allegation of such nature must be properly examined.
The controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension has sparked widespread debates across Nigeria.
Her initial petition against Akpabio, accusing him of sexual harassment, was dismissed by the Senate before her suspension was enforced.
Despite submitting a second petition, it was also rejected.
Following her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan vowed to continue fighting against what she described as “injustice.”
She has consistently maintained that her suspension was an attempt to silence her.
However, Akpabio has denied the allegations, stating that he has never assaulted any woman.
The altercation between Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate leadership reportedly began on February 20, 2025, after her seat was reassigned during a plenary session.
Her removal from Senate activities has continued to divide opinions, with some supporting her claims while others argue that parliamentary rules must be upheld.
