Nigerian Senate writes IPU — gives reason for suspending Natasha
The complaint filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Conference in New York, has continued to raise dust as the Nigerian Senate has defended its decision to suspend the lawmaker representing Kogi Central.
The Senate insisted that it was due to “gross misconduct” and not her sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio that led to her suspension.
Recall that while addressing the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Conference, Natasha alleged injustice and harassment from the powers that be in the Senate.
Moreover, following her presentation, the IPU assured her that it would take necessary steps to address her grievances but stressed the need to also hear the other side before making any official pronouncement.
However, the Nigerian Senate has responded to Senator Natasha’s complaint to the IPU through a letter written by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.
The letter was read by the Chairperson of the House of Representatives committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, who is attending the event in an official capacity representing Nigeria.
The Senate letter reads, “Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behaviour and not as a result of allegation of sexual harassment or assault.
“The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation and false narrative being circulated by certain media organisations regarding the sixth months suspension of Senator Natsaha-Akpoti-Uduaghan.
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“Let it be unequivocally stated that Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent act of misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders.”
Honourable Ogbara called for a holistic investigation into the allegation by Senator Natasha against the Senator President, Godswill Akpabio.
She maintained that procedures and necessary actions under the Senate rules were observed before Senator Natasha’s suspension.
Last week, the Senate suspended the lawmaker in a move that has continued to generate debates across the country.
She had initially submitted a petition to the Senate accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment. But the lawmakers threw it out before suspending her even after submitting another petition.
Senator Natasha vowed to continue the fight against “injustice”. But in the wake of the suspension, Akpabio denied the accusations and maintained he has never assaulted women.
Natasha face-off with the Senate president started on February 20, 2025, after her seat was changed during plenary.
