Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspended as Senate Tensions Escalate Over Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Akpabio
Abuja, Nigeria (EPICSTORIAN) — The Nigerian Senate has approved a six-month suspension for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing violations of parliamentary rules.
The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions recommended the suspension, stating that her actions brought the institution into disrepute.
Senate Ethics Committee Recommends Natasha’s Suspension
During Thursday’s plenary, Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Ethics Committee, presented the report recommending Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.
“Her actions constitute a total violation of the Senate Standing Rules 2023 (as amended), bringing the Senate Leader and the entire chamber into public disrepute,” he stated.
The committee also proposed additional disciplinary measures, including:
•Sealing her office for the suspension period.
•Halting her salaries and allowances, including those allocated to her aides.
•Withdrawing her security details and restricting her access to Senate premises.
The suspension could be reconsidered only if Akpoti-Uduaghan submits a written apology to the Senate, the committee added.
Sexual Harassment Petition Against Senate President Akpabio
Before her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan submitted a fresh sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. This was her second attempt, following the rejection of her initial complaint by the Senate Ethics Committee.
Akpoti-Uduaghan stated that her constituents, led by Zubairu Yakubu, were behind the new petition. During the plenary, she defended its submission, asserting that no rule prevented the Senate from accepting it.
Senate President Akpabio subsequently referred the petition to the Ethics Committee, instructing them to report back within four weeks after legislative review.
Her earlier petition was dismissed after Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno cited Senate Standing Order 40, arguing that the chamber could not deliberate on a matter already before the courts.
He further stated that since Akpoti-Uduaghan had personally signed the petition, it could not be considered.
Legal Battles and Court Orders
The suspension follows a legal battle between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio’s wife, Ekaette Akpabio.
A Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Egwuatu, issued an order on Tuesday directing the Senate Ethics Committee to justify within 72 hours why it should not be restrained from proceeding with the investigation. The deadline expires Friday, leaving many waiting for the court’s ruling.
Legal experts suggest that Akpoti-Uduaghan could still resubmit the petition if another senator signs it on her behalf.
Calls for Akpabio to Step Aside
Amid the controversy, several human rights lawyers and social activists have urged Senate President Akpabio to recuse himself from the case.
Kingdom Okere, a prominent human rights lawyer, stated: “A sexual harassment allegation is a serious matter. Akpabio cannot preside over a case in which he is the accused.”
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki echoed similar concerns, recalling that during his tenure in the 8th Senate, he stepped aside when a petition was filed against him. “This is the precedent the 10th Senate leadership should follow,” Saraki asserted.
Tensions Rise After Seat Reassignment
The ongoing clash between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio dates back to February 20, 2025, when the senator protested the Senate’s decision to change her seating arrangement.
During the plenary session, Akpabio ordered security personnel to remove her, but other senators intervened.
Following the incident, Akpoti-Uduaghan appeared on Arise TV, where she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, claiming his actions against her were politically motivated. Akpabio denied the allegations, while his wife, Ekaette, filed a lawsuit against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Also Read:Nigeria’s Lassa Fever Fatalities Surge Due to Late Treatment and Sanitation Issues
Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan, has publicly supported her, stating that she had confided in him about the alleged harassment.
