The Nigerian Senate has responded to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) revealing that the suspension of Kogi lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, was due to gross misconduct and unruly behavior, not her allegation of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
This clarification comes amid continued reactions following Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s complaint at the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Conference in New York, where she sought intervention over what she described as an injustice.
After hearing her complaint, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) assured the senator that it would take appropriate steps to address the issue after considering both sides.
In response, the Nigerian Senate, through a letter by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, refuted the claims, insisting that the suspension was unrelated to the allegations against Akpabio.
The letter was read by Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, who represented Nigeria at the conference.
“Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behaviour and not as a result of allegation of sexual harassment or assault.
“The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation and false narrative being circulated by certain media organisations regarding the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“Let it be unequivocally stated that Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent act of misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders,” the letter stated.
However, Honorable Ogbara called for a thorough investigation into the sexual harassment allegation made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan against Akpabio. She maintained that all due processes were followed before the suspension was issued.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension last week has continued to spark debates across Nigeria.
Her initial petition to the Senate accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment was dismissed, and she was suspended even after submitting a second petition.
In response, Akpabio denied the accusations, insisting he has never assaulted women.
The conflict between both lawmakers reportedly began on February 20, 2025, after her seat was reassigned during plenary.
Their disagreements date back to July 2024, when Akpabio reprimanded her for misconduct, saying: “The Senate is not a nightclub where anybody can talk anyhow.” He later apologized for the remark.
Meanwhile, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has vowed to continue her fight against injustice despite her suspension.