In a historic move on Thursday, the Nigerian Senate suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months following a comprehensive investigation into allegations of misconduct, including sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The suspension stems from a report submitted by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, Senator Imasuen Neda Bernards, which highlighted multiple infractions of the Senate’s Rules and Orders.
According to Senator Bernards, the investigation, which took place on Wednesday, gave Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan the opportunity to present her side of the story.
However, the committee’s findings revealed a pattern of behavior that contradicted the rules governing Senate proceedings.
Notably, the lawmaker was accused of causing a disruption during a Senate session last week by refusing to accept her assigned seat and engaging in a loud altercation with fellow lawmakers. These actions were deemed a breach of decorum and Senate protocol.
Senator Bernards also shared that the allegations raised by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, including those of sexual harassment, were carefully examined, with testimonies taken to determine their veracity.
The investigation revealed that these claims had a significant impact on the Senate’s standing and functioning.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim Folorunsho of Ondo South expressed deep concern, emphasizing that the integrity of the Senate must be upheld at all costs. “The Senate is bigger than any individual,” he stated. “We have rules to regulate our activities. If we breach them, we risk losing the respect of the nation.”
Echoing these sentiments, Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno underscored that Senate rules must be strictly adhered to, stressing that no one is above the law. “The Senate will outlive all of us, and its rules must be protected,” Monguno affirmed.
Senator Bassey Aniekun Etim also voiced his disappointment, recalling the chaotic scenes in the Senate on February 20, 2025. “I watched in disbelief as shouting and disruptions unfolded. I agree with the findings in this report,” Etim lamented.
While there were calls for leniency, including a plea from Minority Leader Abba Moro, who suggested a three-month suspension as a more suitable penalty, the Senate ultimately voted to uphold the six-month suspension following a voice vote.
The resolution includes the immediate withdrawal of all National Assembly properties from Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, the removal of her security detail, and a sealing of her office by the Sergeant-at-Arms to prevent any further access.
In a surprising personal note, Senate President Godswill Akpabio addressed the chamber, revealing his close personal ties to the suspended lawmaker. “She is the wife of my very close friend,” Akpabio shared, recounting memories from her wedding in 2020.
Despite the personal connection, Akpabio maintained that the Senate’s decision was in the best interest of the institution.
The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan marks a significant chapter in Nigerian Senate history, underscoring the importance of maintaining decorum, respecting rules, and safeguarding the integrity of the legislative body.
