The Nigerian Senate has responded to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s complaint to the United Nations Inter-parliamentary conference in New York. On Tuesday, March 11, Natasha appealed to the parliament for assistance, claiming she was handed a six-month suspension by the Senate after accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexually harassing her.
In a letter signed by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate denied her allegations. The letter, read by Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, the Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, stated that Natasha’s suspension was due to “gross misconduct and unruly behavior,” not any accusation of sexual harassment.
The letter clarified: “Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for persistent misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders, not for any allegations of sexual harassment or assault. The Senate firmly rejects the false narrative being circulated by certain media outlets.”
While Ogbara confirmed that all procedures and actions in line with Senate rules were followed before Natasha’s suspension, she also called for a thorough investigation into the allegations made by Natasha against Senate President Akpabio.
The suspension, which has sparked national debate, came after Natasha accused Akpabio of sexual harassment in a petition that was dismissed by the Senate before her suspension was enforced. She later submitted another petition, but it was also rejected. Despite the suspension, Natasha vowed to continue fighting against what she called “injustice.” Akpabio, on the other hand, denied the accusations, asserting that he has never assaulted women.
The altercation between Natasha and the Senate President began on February 20, 2025, after her seat was changed during a plenary session.