The Nigerian Senate has defended its decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), clarifying that her suspension was due to gross misconduct rather than allegations of sexual harassment. The clarification follows claims made by Akpoti-Uduaghan at a United Nations event, where she alleged that her suspension stemmed from her accusations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Senate’s Response to IPU and UN Allegations
Speaking before the IPU on Wednesday, Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, refuted Akpoti-Uduaghan’s statements. Ogbara stated that the National Assembly had mandated her to formally address the senator’s allegations, particularly those made 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 Honorable 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,” Ogbara stated.
She emphasized that allegations of such gravity warrant an impartial and transparent investigation. “At the same time, we must ensure that fairness is upheld for all individuals involved and that justice is neither predetermined nor one-sided,” she added.
Senate’s Commitment to Women’s Rights
Ogbara reassured the international community that Nigeria remains committed to upholding women’s rights and combating gender-based violence through strong legal frameworks and institutional reforms. She highlighted ongoing legislative efforts, including the Reserve Seats Bill and other constitutional amendments aimed at increasing women’s representation in Parliament.
Addressing the Allegations Against Akpabio
Ogbara stressed that the allegations against Akpabio require careful scrutiny. “It is important to recognize that both the allegations made and the responses provided are serious matters that require careful and unbiased scrutiny,” she said.
She further called for:
- A thorough and unbiased investigation of all claims and defenses.
- Protection of all parties involved to prevent intimidation or retaliation.
- Ensuring accountability and transparency in the process.
- Upholding institutional integrity by adhering to due process.
Official Position of the Nigerian Senate
The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, presented an official position paper on the issue, asserting that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was unrelated to the sexual harassment allegations.
“The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation and false narrative being circulated by certain media organizations regarding the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan,” the Senate letter read.
According to Bamidele, Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for violating Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate rules, which led to her suspension due to:
- Refusing to sit in her assigned seat during plenary on February 25, 2025, despite multiple requests from leadership and ranking senators.
- Engaging in unruly and disruptive behavior.
- Making abusive and disrespectful remarks against Senate leadership.
- Defying the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges’ summons to investigate misconduct claims.
Senate’s Justification for the Suspension
The Senate maintains that the suspension was necessary to restore order and uphold legislative integrity.
“No senator, regardless of status, gender, or political affiliation, is above the rules of the Senate,” the statement asserted. “Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was a direct consequence of her actions and nothing else.”
The Senate called on media organizations to correct what it described as misrepresentations and to avoid spreading falsehoods that could undermine Nigeria’s legislative process.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Appeal for International Intervention
Despite the Senate’s stance, Akpoti-Uduaghan has continued to push for international attention on the matter. On Tuesday, she took her case to a United Nations forum, calling for global intervention to hold the Nigerian Senate accountable.
As the dispute continues, observers await further developments regarding the investigation into both the misconduct allegations and the claims of harassment, with many calling for a transparent and fair resolution to uphold democratic principles.
