The Nigerian Senate has responded to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s complaint to the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) conference in New York. On Tuesday, March 11, Senator Natasha appealed to the international parliamentary body for intervention, claiming that her six-month suspension by the Senate was a direct result of her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a letter signed by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and read by Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, the Senate refuted Natasha’s claims. Ogbara, who is representing Nigeria at the conference, stated that Senator Natasha’s suspension was solely due to “gross misconduct and unruly behavior,” not her allegations against Akpabio.
The Senate’s letter emphasized, “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 acts of misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders.”
However, Ogbara called for a thorough investigation into Senator Natasha’s allegations against Akpabio, stressing that proper procedures and Senate rules were followed before her suspension. The suspension, which occurred last week, has sparked widespread debate across Nigeria.
Senator Natasha had initially submitted a petition accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment, but the Senate dismissed it. After submitting a second petition, she was suspended. Despite the suspension, Natasha vowed to continue her fight against what she termed “injustice.” Akpabio, meanwhile, has denied the allegations, maintaining that he has never assaulted women.
The conflict between Senator Natasha and the Senate President began on February 20, 2025, following a dispute over her seating arrangement during a plenary session. The situation has since escalated, drawing national and international attention.
