The Nigerian Senate has defended its decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, asserting before the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) that her suspension was due to gross misconduct and not allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Speaking at the IPU session, Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Kafilat Ogbara, responded to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. She reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to justice and due process while rejecting any suggestion that the suspension was linked to sexual harassment allegations.
“Such allegations demand a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation,” Ogbara stated. “At the same time, we must ensure fairness for all individuals involved, and that justice is neither predetermined nor one-sided.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier claimed that she was suspended for speaking out about alleged sexual harassment by Akpabio. However, Ogbara insisted that Nigeria remains committed to upholding women’s rights and combating gender-based violence through legal frameworks and ongoing legislative reforms.
The Nigerian Senate, in its formal defense, highlighted its recent efforts to increase women’s representation in Parliament, including the Reserve Seats Bill. Ogbara maintained that these initiatives demonstrate the Senate’s commitment to gender equity and fair treatment.
Acknowledging the widespread attention the case has received, both locally and internationally, Ogbara emphasized that Akpabio has denied the allegations. She called for a fair and transparent investigation, ensuring that due process is upheld.
“It is imperative that we uphold the principles of fairness and ensure that no individual is prematurely judged without a transparent and impartial process,” she said. “We call for a thorough and unbiased investigation, protection of all parties involved, and accountability to uphold institutional integrity.”
The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, also addressed the matter, refuting claims that the suspension was related to sexual harassment allegations. He stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended due to persistent misconduct and violations of Senate Standing Orders.
“The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation and false narratives being circulated,” Bamidele stated. “Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended solely for persistent acts of misconduct, blatant disregard for Senate rules, and gross indiscipline—nothing more, nothing less.”
According to the Senate, Akpoti-Uduaghan had repeatedly ignored parliamentary procedures, including refusing to sit in her assigned seat, speaking without recognition, and obstructing Senate proceedings.
“Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was a decision of the Committee of the Whole Senate, following a report by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges,” the statement read. “She was found guilty of violating Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate Rules.”
The Senate also cited her refusal to comply with summons from the Ethics and Privileges Committee as further justification for her suspension. It maintained that the disciplinary action was necessary to restore order in the legislative body.
In a stern warning to media organizations, the Senate urged responsible journalism and correction of what it described as “misrepresentations” in the press. “No senator, regardless of status, gender, or political affiliation, is above the rules of the Senate,” Ogbara added.
Meanwhile, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has advised Senate President Akpabio to ignore what it termed “sponsored news” and instead focus on his duties. Speaking at a dinner hosted by Akpabio, PANDEF Chairman Godknows Igali reassured the Senate President of the group’s support.
“Forget about the sponsored news making the rounds about you and your office,” Igali said. “Rest assured that we are strongly behind you.” He also commended Akpabio’s working relationship with President Bola Tinubu, describing it as beneficial to the Niger Delta and the nation.
In his response, Akpabio thanked the Niger Delta leaders for their support and pledged to continue working for the progress of the region. He assured them that the Senate would align with President Tinubu’s policies to improve Nigerians’ lives.
However, opposition to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension has grown, with a coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs), women’s groups, and concerned citizens in Edo State staging protests. The protesters condemned both the alleged sexual harassment and the Senate’s decision to suspend her.
The protest march covered key locations, including the Edo State House of Assembly, Government House, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat. Addressing the protesters, Grace Ese Obakina read a petition demanding justice for Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“We, as advocates and champions of the masses, stand firmly on the side of law and equity,” Obakina stated. “We condemn the perceived misogynistic behavior of the 10th National Assembly and the alleged sexual harassment against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.”
The protesters argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was a deliberate attempt to silence her and prevent a fair hearing of her claims. They urged an independent investigation into the allegations against Akpabio, stressing the need for justice and transparency.
“This action appears to be a blatant attempt to dismiss the allegations of sexual harassment without due process,” the petition read. “We implore you to consider our demand for justice for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and conduct an independent investigation into her claims.”
