David Akachukwu
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The Nigerian Senate has informed the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) that the suspension of Kogi lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, was due to gross misconduct, not because of the sexual harassment allegations she made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The complaint filed by Senator Natasha at the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Conference in New York has sparked reactions.
Senator Natasha had presented her case to the global body, claiming she had been subjected to injustice. After hearing her complaint, the IPU assured her that it would take appropriate actions to address the issues after considering the perspective of the other side.
In response to Natasha’s complaint to the IPU, the Nigerian Senate sent a letter through Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele. The letter was read by Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, who is attending the event in an official capacity on behalf of Nigeria.
The letter stated: “Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behavior, not because of any allegations of sexual harassment or assault. The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly rejects the misinformation and false narratives being spread by some media organizations regarding her six-month suspension. It must be clearly stated that her suspension was solely due to her continued misconduct and disregard for Senate Standing Orders.”
Ogbara also called for a thorough investigation into Natasha’s allegations against Akpabio. She emphasized that the necessary procedures and Senate rules had been followed before Senator Natasha’s suspension.
It’s important to note that the Senate suspended Natasha last week, a move that has sparked considerable debate in the country. Initially, she had submitted a petition to the Senate, accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment, but the petition was dismissed before her suspension, even after she submitted a second petition.
Despite her suspension, Senator Natasha has vowed to continue fighting against what she believes is an injustice.
Following the suspension, Akpabio denied the accusations, stating that he had never assaulted any woman.
The dispute between Natasha and Akpabio began on February 20, 2025, when her seat was changed during a plenary session.
This is not the first time the two have had disagreements. In July 2024, Akpabio reportedly reprimanded Natasha for misconduct, telling her to follow the rules and stating that the Senate was not a place for informal, disorderly talk. He later apologized for his remark.
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