The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months due to alleged violations of the Senate Standing Rules.
Her suspension followed a heated dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she accused of sexual harassment—an allegation he has strongly denied.
While reading out the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct on Thursday, Akpabio stated:
“That the Senate do suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for her total violation of the Senate Standing Rules (2023 as amended), for bringing the presiding officer and the entire Nigerian Senate to public opprobrium.”
Efforts by some senators to reduce the suspension period to three months were unsuccessful, as the majority upheld the six-month decision through a vote. However, lawmakers ruled that her suspension could be reconsidered if she submits a written apology.
“For the Senate to consider lifting this suspension or reducing its duration, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan shall submit a written apology to the Senate before her reconsideration,” Akpabio added.
In a slight deviation from the committee’s initial recommendations, the Senate ruled that while Akpoti-Uduaghan’s salary would be withheld, her aides would continue to receive their pay. Senator Orji Kalu, advocating for this amendment, argued:
“The aides of Natasha are not Natasha. It would be wrong for this Senate to deprive these aides of their allowances.”
Following the announcement, the Kogi Central senator was escorted out of the chambers by the Sergeant-At-Arms. Before leaving, she declared, “This injustice will not stand.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension marks the culmination of weeks of tension between her, Akpabio, and the Senate.
The dispute began on February 20, 2025, after a disagreement over her seating arrangement. Following the altercation, she accused the Senate President of sexual harassment and abuse of office, later submitting a formal petition on the Senate floor.
However, the Senate Committee on Public Conduct, Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions—chaired by Senator Neda Imaseun (Edo South)—dismissed her claims, citing procedural breaches. The committee argued that because Akpoti-Uduaghan personally signed the petition instead of obtaining an external endorsement, it was “invalid.”
Determined to press her case, she re-submitted the petition the same day. Shortly after, the Imaseun-led committee recommended her suspension for violating Senate rules—a decision swiftly ratified by the Red Chambers.
Beyond the six-month suspension, additional sanctions include:
Locking her office for the duration of the suspension.
Barring her from the National Assembly complex.
Withholding her salary, though her aides’ salaries remain intact.
This high-profile suspension has further fueled political tensions, with Akpoti-Uduaghan vowing to challenge the decision.
