Senate Suspends Natasha for Six Months Over Rule Violation

 

The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months following allegations of misconduct and violation of the Senate’s Standing Rules.

Her suspension, announced during Thursday’s plenary session, stems from a heated dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she accused of sexual harassment—an allegation he has denied.

Reading the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, Akpabio declared:

“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 to three months were unsuccessful as a majority vote upheld the six-month penalty. However, the Senate left room for reconsideration, stating that the suspension could be lifted or shortened if she submits a written apology.

“For the Senate to consider lifting this suspension or reducing the tenure of the suspension, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan shall submit a written apology to the Senate before her reconsideration,” Akpabio added.

Despite the suspension, the Senate ruled that salaries for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legislative aides should continue.

“The aides of Natasha are not Natasha,” Senator Orji Kalu argued while seeking an amendment to the sanctions. “It would be wrong for this Senate to deprive these aides of their allowances.”

Following the decision, the Kogi Central lawmaker was escorted out of the chamber by the Sergeant-At-Arms. Before exiting, she reportedly declared, “This injustice will not be sustained.”

Origins of the Controversy

The crisis began on February 20, 2025, after a seating arrangement dispute between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio. She later accused the Senate President of sexual harassment and abuse of office, submitting a petition to that effect.

However, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, led by Senator Neda Imasuen (Edo South), dismissed her claims. The committee ruled that her petition was “dead on arrival” due to procedural lapses, particularly her decision to personally sign the petition instead of securing an external endorsement.

Undeterred, Akpoti-Uduaghan re-submitted the petition, but the committee, on the same day, recommended her suspension for violating Senate rules.

Additional Sanctions

Apart from the suspension, the Senate resolved to:

Lock her office for the duration of the suspension.

Bar her from the National Assembly premises.

Halt her salary payments, although her aides will continue to receive their allowances.