The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months following accusations of misconduct and a breach of Senate rules. The decision, announced on March 6, 2025, came after a heated dispute between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which led to her accusing him of sexual harassment.
The Controversy: How It Started
The tension began on February 20, 2025, when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, protested the reassignment of her seat in the Senate chambers. She argued that the change was made without prior notice and violated her privileges as a lawmaker.
In response to the dispute, she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office, submitting a petition to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. However, the committee, led by Senator Neda Imasuen (Edo South), dismissed her claims, stating that the petition was “dead on arrival” due to procedural violations.
According to the committee, the petition was invalid because Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan personally signed it instead of having another person endorse it, as required by Senate rules. Hours later, she resubmitted the petition, but the committee still ruled against her, recommending her suspension instead.
Senate Votes for Six-Month Suspension
Following the committee’s report, the Senate voted to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months. The decision was upheld despite efforts by some lawmakers to reduce the suspension to three months. Senate President Godswill Akpabio justified the action, stating:
“The Senate suspends 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.”
Conditions for Reinstatement
The Senate ruled that the suspension could be reconsidered if Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan submits a written apology. Akpabio announced:
“For the Senate to consider lifting this suspension or reducing its tenure, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan shall submit a written apology before her reconsideration.”
Restrictions During Suspension
During the suspension, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan will face several penalties, including:
| Sanction | Details |
|---|---|
| Office Closure | Her Senate office will be locked. |
| Banned from National Assembly | She is barred from entering the National Assembly premises. |
| Salary and Allowances Halted | Her salary and allowances will be stopped. |
| Security Withdrawal | All her official security aides will be withdrawn. |
However, some senators argued that her aides’ salaries should not be affected, and successfully amended the sanctions to allow them to continue receiving their payments. Senator Orji Kalu emphasized this point, stating:
“The aides of Natasha are not Natasha. It would be wrong for this Senate to deprive these aides of their allowances.”
The amendment was approved, ensuring that while Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan remains suspended, her staff will not suffer financially.
Senator Natasha’s Reaction to Her Suspension
Following the Senate’s decision, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was escorted out of the chambers by the Sergeant-at-Arms. However, before leaving, she defiantly declared:
“This injustice will not be sustained.”
Her response suggests that she may challenge the suspension through legal or political means. Supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to which she belongs, have criticized the Senate’s actions, alleging that she was unfairly targeted for speaking out against Senate President Akpabio.
Public Reactions and Political Fallout
The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has sparked mixed reactions across Nigeria. Some civil rights activists and women’s rights groups have expressed concern over how the Senate handled the sexual harassment allegations. They argue that rather than dismissing her claims outright, the Senate Ethics Committee should have conducted a more thorough investigation.
Meanwhile, political analysts believe this suspension may deepen divisions within the Nigerian Senate and could have long-term implications for gender representation and free speech in the country’s political space.
Opposition Criticism
Several opposition politicians have condemned the decision, with some alleging that the Senate acted as a “boys’ club” to protect its leader. A prominent PDP leader, Senator Bode Akande, accused the Senate leadership of ganging up against Senator Natasha, stating:
“This is a sad day for democracy in Nigeria. The Senate has sent a dangerous message that women who speak out against abuse can be silenced through institutional power.”
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Senate Suspends Natasha for Six Months, Spares Aides' Salaries pic.twitter.com/nXCmXMKDYt
— ARISE NEWS (@ARISEtv) March 6, 2025
What Happens Next?
As the situation unfolds, political observers expect that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan may seek legal redress or public support to overturn the Senate’s decision. Given her firm stance and vocal criticism of the leadership, it remains to be seen whether she will apologize to regain her seat or take a different route to challenge the ruling.
For now, her six-month suspension stands, but the political drama surrounding the case is far from over.
Stay Updated
This is a developing story. Keep following our website for more updates on this and other important political developments in Nigeria.
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