The Senate, on Thursday, 6 March, 2025, suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, for six months following a contentious dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The decision, effective immediately, stemmed from recommendations by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, which cited multiple violations of Senate rules and “unparliamentary conduct.”
The suspension follows a heated confrontation that began when Senator Natasha protested the reassignment of her seat in the Senate chamber, refusing to comply with Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules.
Tensions escalated when she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and discrimination, claims she reiterated in a petition resubmitted on 6 March and during a television interview. The Ethics Committee dismissed these allegations as baseless, asserting that her actions brought disrepute to the Senate.
Under the suspension terms, Senator Natasha will forfeit her salary, allowances and security details, and is barred from accessing the National Assembly premises. Her office will remain locked, and her legislative aides will also go unpaid during this period.
The Senate has stipulated that the suspension could be lifted early if she submits a formal written apology to the chamber.
Reacting to the decision, Senator Natasha declared: “This injustice will not be sustained,” as she was escorted out by the Sergeant-At-Arms.
Despite pleas from Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro for a reduced three-month penalty, the majority upheld the six-month suspension via a voice vote.
The move has sparked debates about gender dynamics and political accountability in Nigeria’s legislature, with critics questioning the fairness of the process, noting she was denied a chance to defend herself during the plenary.
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