The Nigerian senate has told the Inter-Parliamentary Union,
IPU, that it suspended Kogi lawmaker, Senator Natsha Akpoti-Uduaghan for gross
misconduct and not because of her sexual allegation on Senate President
Godswill Akpabio.
This was as the complaint laid by the lawmaker at the United
Nations Inter parliamentary conference in New York has continued to attract
reactions.
Recall that Senator Natasha had taken her case before the
global institution for them to prevail over what she said was an injustice
meted on her.
After listening to her complaint, the IPU assured Senator
Natasha of taking necessary steps to address the complaints she brought to the
union after listening to the other side.
The Nigerian Senate has, however, replied to Senator
Natasha’s complaint to the IPU through a letter by the Senate Leader, Senator
Opeyemi Bamidele.
The letter was read by the Chairperson of the House of
Representatives committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Honorable
Kafilat Ogbara, who is attending the event in an official capacity representing
Nigeria.
“Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross
misconduct and unruly behaviour and not as a result of allegation of sexual
harassment or assault.
“The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation and false narrative being
circulated by certain media organisations regarding the sixth months suspension
of Senator Natsaha-Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“Let it be unequivocally stated that Uduaghan was suspended
solely for her persistent act of misconduct and disregard for the Senate
Standing Orders,” the Senate letter read in part.
Ogbara, however, demanded a comprehensive probe into the
allegation by Senator Natasha against Akpabio.
She maintained that procedures and necessary actions under
the Senate rules were observed before Senator Natasha’s suspension.
It could be recalled that last week, the Senate suspended
the lawmaker in a move that has continued to generate debates across the
country.
She had initially submitted a petition to the Senate
accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment. But the lawmakers threw it out before
suspending her, even after submitting another petition.
Meanwhile, Senator Natasha vowed to continue the fight
against injustice.
However, following the suspension, Akpabio denied the
accusations and maintained he has never assaulted women.
Her altercation with the Senate president started on
February 20, 2025, after her seat was changed during plenary.
It was gathered that this is not the first time both
individuals had issues.
In July 2024, Akpabio had reportedly while trying to correct
her for misconduct told her to follow the rules, stating that the Senate was
not a nightclub where anybody can talk anyhow.
He, thereafter, apologised to her for the remark.
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