The senator representing Delta North Ned Nwoko, has urged the Nigerian Senate to stand firm in its decision to suspend Kogi Central lawmaker, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, emphasizing that the suspension should not be influenced by social media outrage or half-truths.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension came after she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexually harassing her, following a dispute over seating arrangements in the Senate chamber. The suspension was for alleged “gross misconduct,” stemming from her behavior during the altercation.
In a statement released on Sunday, Nwoko emphasized that the Senate must remain resolute and not be swayed by public sentiment. He pointed out that democracy thrives when its institutions are strong, disciplined, and governed by clear rules. “Democratic institutions cannot survive when they are manipulated to serve personal or partisan interests,” he warned.
He stressed that the issue was not about silencing anyone, but about ensuring that the Senate remains a place of reasoned debate and order, free from disruptive theatrics. “We must ensure that the principles of accountability, order, and respect remain the guiding forces of our legislative process,” Nwoko said.
Addressing the sexual harassment allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan, Nwoko clarified that the petition was not before the Senate. He emphasized that the suspension was not due to her allegations but rather for her behavior on the floor of the Senate, which violated the expected decorum for lawmakers.
He also pointed out that the Senate is not against women, urging that all senators, regardless of gender, must conduct themselves with respect in the chamber. Nwoko refuted claims that the suspension was an attack on women in politics, calling it a manipulation of the facts. “Nigeria has many strong female leaders who have made their mark through discipline, strategic engagement, and respect for institutional processes,” he said.
Nwoko also shared that he personally reached out to Akpoti-Uduaghan during the suspension process, offering her an opportunity to apologize. “I asked her are you prepared to apologise so that I can speak on your behalf? She responded that she did no wrong. I told her directly, you are wrong. I watched the video. I saw what happened,” he recalled.
The senator expressed disappointment in the role played by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan, in the situation, suggesting that he could have handled the matter in a way that did not cause further division.
Nwoko’s statements come amid ongoing controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, with debates continuing about its fairness and the underlying issues.
