The Nigerian Senate has stated that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct, not for her allegations of sexual harassment. This response was delivered by Senator Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs, during a press briefing at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) conference in New York.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had brought her complaint to the IPU, claiming she faced injustice after being suspended. The IPU acknowledged her concerns and said it would address her complaints after hearing from both sides.
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In a letter read by Ogbara, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele clarified that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was due to her “gross misconduct and unruly behavior,” and not related to her sexual harassment claims. The Senate strongly rejected what it called “misinformation” about her suspension.
Ogbara emphasized that all necessary procedures were followed before the suspension took place. She also called for a thorough investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The Senate’s decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan has sparked significant debate across Nigeria. She had previously submitted a petition accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment, but it was dismissed by the Senate before her suspension was enacted.
Despite her suspension, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan vowed to continue fighting against what she calls “injustice.” Senate President Akpabio has denied the allegations, insisting he has never assaulted anyone.
The conflict between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio escalated on February 20, 2025, after a disagreement over her seating arrangement during a Senate session. This is not the first clash between the two; in July 2024, Akpabio had previously reprimanded her for misconduct, later apologizing for his comments.
