In a move that has sparked controversy, the Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, following her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The suspension, which includes the withdrawal of her salary, allowances, security details, and access to the National Assembly, takes effect from March 6, 2025.
The decision was based on recommendations from the Senate Committee on Ethics and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, who cited violations of the Senate Standing Rules.
“That the Senate should suspend Senator Natasha for six months for her violation of the Senate Standing Rules 2023 as amended, for bringing the Senate President (presiding officer) and the Senate in general to public disgrace,” Imasuen stated while presenting the committee’s findings.
Beyond the suspension, the Senate has ordered that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s office be locked for the duration of the penalty and that she hands over all Senate properties in her possession to the Clerk of the National Assembly. The report further stipulates that she must not be seen within the National Assembly premises, including staff areas.
The recommendation for her suspension came just hours after the same committee dismissed her petition against Akpabio, ruling it inadmissible due to procedural violations.
“The petition presented today is actually dead on arrival. I am saying that because it runs contrary to Order 40, Subsection 4, which states that no senator should present a petition signed by him or herself,” the committee ruled.
Senate Chief Whip also backed the dismissal, insisting the petition lacked legal standing.
“Section 40, Subsection 4 also says no senator shall personally sign a petition. It is not about the committee taking a decision; it is about whether the petition is ripe to be referred to the committee,” he emphasized.
For any reconsideration of her suspension, the committee stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan must submit a written apology.
