The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months following her accusation of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Her suspension was announced on Thursday after the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct found her claims in violation of the Senate Standing Rules (2023 as amended). Senate President Akpabio, while reading the committee’s recommendations, stated that her actions brought the presiding officer and the entire Senate to “public opprobrium.”
Despite attempts by some lawmakers to reduce the suspension to three months, the Senate upheld the six-month penalty through a majority vote. However, Akpabio noted that Akpoti-Uduaghan could have her suspension lifted or shortened if she issues a written apology.
“For the Senate to consider lifting this suspension or reducing the tenure, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan shall submit a written apology to the Senate before her reconsideration,” he stated.
Following the announcement, the Kogi Central lawmaker was escorted out of the chamber by the Sergeant-At-Arms. Before leaving, she declared, “This injustice would not be sustained.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension comes amid a long-standing dispute with Akpabio over a Senate seat allocation, which escalated into public allegations of misconduct.
