The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan after she accused its presiding officer of sexual harassment.
The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, for six months following allegations of misconduct. The suspension was recommended by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, which accused her of violating Senate rules, including failing to sit in her assigned seat, speaking without being recognized, and making disparaging remarks against the Senate leadership. As a result of this decision, she will lose access to her office, security details, and allowances during the suspension period. This development has sparked controversy, especially given the senator’s recent accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier accused Akpabio of sexually harassing her, alleging that he made inappropriate advances and hinted that her legislative motions could gain approval if she complied with his demands. However, the Senate’s ethics committee dismissed her complaint, citing procedural errors that made it invalid from the start. Many critics argue that her suspension appears to be a retaliatory move meant to silence her. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the Senate's decision, stating that it undermines parliamentary fairness and denies the people of Kogi Central their right to representation. The PDP also pointed out that Akpabio should not have been allowed to preside over a case in which he was directly implicated.
The senator’s suspension has drawn sharp criticism from women’s rights activists and civil society groups, who see it as a reflection of the systemic challenges women face in Nigerian politics. With only four female senators out of 109 in the legislature, concerns over gender discrimination and suppression of female voices remain prevalent. Protests have erupted in response to the suspension, with activists calling for greater accountability and an independent investigation into the allegations against Akpabio. The controversy has intensified discussions about power dynamics and the need for a more inclusive and just political system in Nigeria.
