Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been suspended from the Nigerian Senate for six months following allegations she made against Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio. The suspension, announced Thursday, comes after a report from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions cited multiple violations of Senate rules.
The Committee Chairman, Senator Imasuen Neda Bernards of Edo South Senatorial District, presented findings from an investigation conducted Wednesday where Senator Natasha was given the opportunity to defend herself. The investigation stemmed from accusations that she caused a “chaotic and rowdy session” last week when she reportedly refused her assigned seat and engaged in a shouting match with colleagues.
Senator Raphael Adeyemi Adaramodu testified before the panel, supporting claims about Senator Natasha’s conduct during the session. According to Senator Neda, the formal investigation was initiated after a petition against her was referred to the Ethics Committee.
During Senate deliberations on the matter, several lawmakers expressed concern over Senator Natasha’s behavior. Senator Jimoh Ibrahim Folorunsho from Ondo South emphasized the importance of protecting the Senate as an institution, stating, “This institution is not about an individual. We have rules to regulate our activities. If we breach our own rules, the executive will not come here to enforce them.”
Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno reinforced this sentiment, noting that “it is only in the animal kingdom that there are no rules and regulations,” and insisted that Senate rules must be upheld to preserve the institution’s integrity.
Senator Bassey Aniekun Etim described his disappointment at witnessing the February 20 incident, supporting the committee’s findings. “The shouting, the screaming, I agree with all the issues raised in the report,” he stated.
Not all senators favored the harsh punishment, however. Minority Leader Abba Moro, speaking on behalf of PDP Senators, pleaded for mercy and suggested a reduced three-month suspension. Senator Moro argued that this shorter period would be sufficient for the embattled lawmaker to “realize her mistakes,” while also noting that “Nigerians are watching and seeing them as statesmen,” cautioning against actions that might bring disrepute to the chamber.
In a personal reflection, Senate President Akpabio revealed his close relationship with Senator Natasha’s family, stating, “The Senator we are talking about is the wife of my very close friend and brother. On the day of her marriage, I slept in their house in the year 2020, and when I was to leave, I missed my flight at Obajana Airstrip and I slept again at Dangote Cement.”
Despite this personal connection, Akpabio upheld the six-month suspension following a voice vote. The sanctions against Senator Natasha are comprehensive: she must surrender all National Assembly properties, her security details will be withdrawn, and the Sergeant-at-Arms will seal her office immediately, preventing her access.
This suspension marks a significant development in Nigerian parliamentary politics, particularly given the serious nature of the sexual harassment allegations Senator Natasha raised against Akpabio himself. The Senate’s decision to suspend her rather than address the allegations directly has raised questions about institutional priorities and the handling of such sensitive matters.
The confrontation between Senator Natasha and Senate leadership represents a growing tension within Nigeria’s legislative body. As the first female senator from Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been a prominent voice on issues affecting her constituency and women’s representation in Nigerian politics.
Political analysts note that this suspension could have implications beyond the immediate disciplinary action. The power dynamics at play—a female senator making allegations against the male Senate President, followed by her suspension—may influence public perception of the Senate’s commitment to addressing sexual harassment claims within its ranks.
Civil society organizations have already begun calling for transparency regarding both the allegations and the suspension process. Women’s rights groups particularly are monitoring the situation closely, concerned about potential chilling effects on other women who might hesitate to report sexual harassment in political spaces.
The Senate’s handling of this case comes at a time when Nigeria, like many countries, is grappling with issues of gender equality and appropriate responses to sexual harassment allegations in professional environments. The outcome of this suspension and any subsequent actions may set precedents for how similar situations are addressed in the future.
For now, Senator Natasha’s constituency in Kogi State will effectively lack representation in the Senate for the six-month suspension period. The Senate has not announced any provisions to ensure constituent services continue during her absence.
As the situation develops, observers will be watching closely to see whether the sexual harassment allegations receive independent investigation, and how both the Senate and Senator Natasha navigate the coming months of this political standoff.
