Natasha’s Suspension Not Linked To Harassment Claim, Senate Tells IPU

The Nigerian Senate has told the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and not for raising allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Speaking before the IPU on Wednesday, Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claim that she was suspended for speaking out about sexual harassment.

She said she was mandated by the National Assembly to present a response to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s statements at the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.

“In response to the call by the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Right Honourable Tulia Ackson to hear both sides of the matter, I have received a letter from the Nigerian Senate in my capacity as Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development of our parliament in Nigeria and the parliamentarian representing Nigeria at this conference,” she stated.

She stressed the need for an impartial investigation while ensuring fairness for all involved.

“Nigeria remains firmly committed to upholding women’s rights and combating gender-based violence through strong legal frameworks and institutions. Our Parliament and Judiciary continue to undergo reforms to strengthen these efforts.

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“The ongoing legislative initiatives seek to address historical imbalances in women’s representation in our Parliament, including the Reserve Seats Bill and other crucial proposed constitutional amendments aimed at safeguarding the rights and privileges of women. These efforts underscore our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable political space.”

Addressing the allegations against Akpabio, she emphasised the need for a fair and transparent process, stating, “It is important to recognise that both the allegations made and the responses provided are serious matters that require careful and unbiased scrutiny. This issue, which remains subjudice, involves multiple elements, including allegations of sexual harassment and potential violations of Senate rules. While it is necessary to engage in introspection and understand any potential connections, these matters must also be considered separately.

“It is imperative that we uphold the principles of fairness and ensure that no individual is prematurely judged without a transparent and impartial process. Therefore, I call for the following actions: A thorough and unbiased investigation, ensuring that all claims and defences are examined fairly and transparently.

“Protection of all parties involved, safeguarding the rights of all individuals, and preventing any form of intimidation or retaliation, accountability and transparency and upholding institutional integrity by ensuring that due process is rigorously followed.”

Ogbara then read a letter from the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, which reaffirmed that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was due to misconduct, not sexual harassment claims.

“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 six-month suspension of Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“Let it be unequivocally stated that Senator Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent act of misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders.”

The Senate cited violations of Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of its rules as the basis for her suspension.

“If Akpoti-Uduaghan had strictly followed its guiding principles, the Senate would have treated her petition based on merit in line with its practice, noting that she never obeyed the established practices of the institution where she was serving,” Bamidele said.

The statement further detailed her infractions, including refusal to sit in her assigned seat during plenary on February 25, 2025, engaging in disruptive behaviour, making disrespectful remarks against Senate leadership, and ignoring summons from the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges.

The Senate insisted that the suspension was necessary to maintain order and uphold its integrity.

“No senator, regardless of status, gender, or political affiliation, is above the rules of the Senate.

“Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was a direct consequence of her actions and nothing else,” the statement added.

The Senate urged media organisations to correct any misrepresentations and avoid spreading misinformation that could undermine Nigeria’s legislative process.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had escalated the matter by taking her case to a United Nations forum, calling for international intervention against the Nigerian Senate.