The Nigerian Senate has clarified the reason it suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate. Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.
The Senate insists her suspension was due to multiple other violations of its rules.
This clarification was made in a statement issued on Saturday, March 8, by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.
He said Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for disregarding Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended) and her disruptive conduct during plenary sessions.
Reasons for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension
The Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months on March 6, following a report by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions. Bamidele said that rather than respecting Senate rules, she misled the public by linking her suspension to her sexual harassment allegation against Akpabio.
“The Senate did not suspend her for submitting a petition on sexual harassment. Her petition was not considered because it did not follow proper procedures,” Bamidele stated.
The committee found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of several violations, including:
- Refusing to sit in her assigned seat during a plenary session on February 25, despite multiple appeals from senior senators.
- Speaking without recognition from the presiding officer, disrupting Senate proceedings.
- Making disrespectful remarks against the Senate leadership.
- Ignoring summons from the Senate Committee on Ethics, which was investigating misconduct allegations against her.
Bamidele explained that these actions directly challenged the Senate’s authority and required disciplinary action. “No senator is above the rules. Her suspension was necessary to restore order,” he added.
Defending the Senate’s Decision
Bamidele dismissed reports suggesting political motives behind the suspension. He urged the media to report facts accurately and avoid spreading misinformation.
“This is a clear case of disciplinary action, not political victimization. The Senate will not tolerate misconduct from any member,” he said.
While commending some media outlets for balanced reporting, he condemned attempts to politicize the matter. “This misinformation campaign is misleading and unfair to Nigerians, who deserve truthful reporting,” he concluded.
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