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Senate sends Natasha home for six months but she says injustice will not be sustained

On Thursday, the Senate suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central for six months during Thursday plenary presided by Godswill Akpabio, the senate president.

Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan, Senator of Kogi Central
Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan, Senator of Kogi Central

Abuja, Nigeria

On Thursday, the Senate suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central for six months during Thursday plenary presided by Godswill Akpabio, the senate president.

The decision was based on recommendations from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, which found her guilty of misconduct and failing to appear before the committee.

Her suspension followed the allegations of sexual harassment and deliberate obstruction of her legislative duties that she made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

She accused Akpabio of preventing her legislative motions, particularly those concerning the Ajaokuta Steel Company, and claimed he referred to her as a “nightclub girl” during a Senate session—a remark for which he later apologised.

During Thursday’s plenary, Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, presented the committee’s report, stating that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was found guilty of all allegations due to her failure to comply with the committee’s proceedings.

The committee also recommended that her salary be withheld and her security details withdrawn throughout the suspension period.

In addition to the six-month suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan was advised to issue a formal apology to the Senate for conduct deemed disrespectful to the institution.

The Senate’s decision marks a key development in the ongoing controversy surrounding her allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Akpabio has repeatedly denied any misconduct, asserting his respect for women and dismissing the claims as baseless.

As a result of the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan will be barred from the National Assembly premises, and her office will remain locked for the duration of the suspension.

During deliberations on the committee’s recommendations, Senator Abba Moro appealed for leniency, requesting a reduction in the six-month suspension.

He said, “We plead that while implementing these recommendations, which are likely to be approved by the Senate, the 6-month suspension for Senator Natasha is reduced to 3 months, if convenient for the Senate and Mr. President. Three months is sufficient for some level of restitution.”

Reacting to the development, the female senator said the injustice against her will not be sustained.

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