Nigerian Senate Clarifies Reason for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension

The Nigerian Senate has informed the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months due to gross misconduct and not because of her sexual harassment allegations.

Background of the Suspension: 

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously taken her suspension and sexual harassment claims against Senate President Godswill Akpabio to the IPU. During the Women in Parliament event at the United Nations in New York, she alleged abuse by Akpabio and sought justice and intervention from global democratic institutions.

In response, IPU President Tulia Ackson stated that the organization would listen to both sides before making any decisions.

The Nigerian Senate countered what it described as misinformation, insisting that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was based solely on violations of Senate rules.

At the 69th meeting of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development Chairperson Kafilat Ogbara addressed the IPU on behalf of the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele.

According to Ogbara, the suspension was based on a report by the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, which found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of violating multiple Senate standing rules.

The official statement read:
"Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behavior, not due to allegations of sexual harassment or assault."
"Her suspension was a result of persistent acts of misconduct, blatant disregard for Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended), and gross indiscipline—nothing more, nothing less."
"Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was a direct consequence of her actions and nothing else."

The Senate maintains that Akpoti-Uduaghan's suspension is unrelated to her harassment claims, reinforcing that it was strictly due to her alleged misconduct and violations of parliamentary procedures.