The All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Senate in Nigeria’s National Assembly today suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The senator’s suspension follows weeks of controversy over her allegations that the presiding Senate President sexually harassed her and abused his office.
However, the axe of suspension fell on Natasha, who could not be saved by her party members in the PDP, as they are in the minority in the Red Chamber. The APC members, who form the majority in the committee set up to review her petition, not only dismissed her claims but also recommended her suspension—a decision that Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the accused party in the allegations, promptly enforced.
Unruffled and undeterred by her suspension, Natasha made a defiant statement before the Sergeant-at-Arms escorted her out, saying, “This injustice will not be sustained.”
The Sergeant-at-Arms forcibly took the microphone from Natasha as she attempted to address her colleagues before being led out of the chamber.
While reading out the recommendations of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, which investigated her claims, Akpabio stated: “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.”
In response to appeals from some minority lawmakers for a reduction in the suspension period, the Senate ruled that her suspension could be lifted or shortened if she tenders a written apology.
Akpabio said, “For the Senate to consider lifting this suspension or reducing its duration, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan shall submit a written apology to the Senate before reconsideration.”
