The Nigerian Senate has responded to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), clarifying that the suspension of Kogi lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, was due to gross misconduct and unruly behavior, not her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The Senate’s response comes after Senator Natasha took her case to the IPU at the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Conference in New York, seeking intervention over what she described as unjust treatment by the Senate. The IPU acknowledged her complaint and assured that it would take necessary steps after hearing from both sides.
Senate’s Official Response
In a letter addressed to the IPU, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, dismissed the narrative that Natasha was suspended because of her allegations against Akpabio. The letter was read at the UN event by Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, who attended the conference on Nigeria’s behalf.
According to the letter:
“Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behavior and not as a result of an 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 organizations 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.”
Despite this, Hon. Ogbara called for a full investigation into Natasha’s allegations against Akpabio.
The Controversy Surrounding Natasha’s Suspension
The Senate’s decision to suspend Natasha has sparked nationwide debates, with many questioning the motive behind the move. The suspension came after she formally accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and submitted a petition, which was thrown out by lawmakers. Even after submitting a second petition, she was suspended.
Natasha, however, has vowed to continue fighting against injustice, insisting that she was targeted for speaking out.
Akpabio, on his part, denied the allegations, maintaining that he has never assaulted any woman.
History of Clashes Between Natasha and Akpabio
Their feud dates back to February 20, 2025, when Natasha’s Senate seat was reassigned during plenary, leading to a heated exchange with Akpabio.
Reports also indicate that tensions between the two have existed for months. In July 2024, Akpabio publicly rebuked Natasha for alleged misconduct, stating that the Senate was not a nightclub where people could talk anyhow. He later apologized for the remark.
