Senate Suspends Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for Six Months in Explosive Showdown
The Nigerian Senate has plunged into yet another political firestorm, suspending Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months over alleged misconduct. In a move that has sparked fierce reactions, Akpoti-Uduaghan has been stripped of all security aides, barred from the National Assembly, and warned against parading herself as a senator.
But this isn’t just a suspension—it’s a high-stakes battle with accusations of power abuse, political gang-ups, and unresolved allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio looming in the background.
With protests mounting and critics calling foul, is this suspension an enforcement of Senate rules—or a calculated silencing of a dissenting voice?
The Suspension: What Exactly Happened?
The Senate’s Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions Committee found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of violating Senate Standing Orders, claiming she disrespected the Senate leadership. The committee’s report, signed by all 14 members, recommended a seven-point punishment, which was swiftly adopted in plenary.
Key penalties include:
- Six-month suspension from all legislative activities.
- Sealing of her office and confiscation of Senate property.
- Withdrawal of security aides and official allowances.
- Banning her from stepping foot in the National Assembly.
- Prohibition from representing herself locally or internationally as a senator.
While the initial ruling suggested Akpoti-Uduaghan could apologize for possible reconsideration, the Senate later ruled out any soft landing, insisting she serve her full suspension before any plea could be entertained.
Power Play or Due Process?
The move has triggered outrage and divided opinions, with critics accusing Senate leadership of abusing power and attempting to silence Akpoti-Uduaghan over her sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio.
🔴 Oby Ezekwesili slammed the Senate, calling the suspension a “vicious abuse of power.” She argued that instead of addressing serious sexual harassment accusations, the Senate chose to punish the accuser.
🔴 Former presidential spokesman, Laolu Akande, claimed the move was a gang-up, stating,
“What we have seen so far is a lot of men holding meetings, speaking out, coming to the media to run this woman down. It is a poor reflection on the Nigerian Senate.”
Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, labeled the Senate’s actions illegal, accusing it of disregarding a court ruling that barred them from suspending her.
But Senate leaders defended the decision.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim declared that Akpoti-Uduaghan had brought the Senate into disrepute and deserved punishment.
Senate Chief Whip, Tahir Monguno, accused her of violating rules and disrupting proceedings at plenary.
First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, insisted that the Senate is a mature institution that deserves respect and should not be “dragged into controversy.”
With no consensus in sight, is this really about Senate rules—or the suppression of a defiant female lawmaker?
The Akpabio Factor: Unresolved Sexual Harassment Allegations
Adding fuel to the controversy, Akpoti-Uduaghan resubmitted a petition during plenary, alleging that Akpabio sexually harassed her.
Akpabio, in response, shared an odd anecdote—revealing that he slept in a hotel inside Dangote Cement Factory in Kogi State during her wedding.
He insisted he is “close to her family” and suggested his attendance at her wedding disproves any misconduct.
But critics weren’t buying it.
- Laolu Akande cautioned that the Senate must not appear to be silencing a harassment victim.
- Human rights groups have demanded an independent probe into the allegations.
With a Senate ethics committee tasked with investigating the claims, the big question remains:
Will Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension derail her case—or fuel a bigger fight for justice?
The Fallout Begins
Akpoti-Uduaghan isn’t backing down.
After her suspension was announced, she interrupted proceedings and declared,
“This injustice against me will not stand. I will fight against it.”
She was escorted out of the chamber by security and left the National Assembly in a black SUV, refusing media interviews.
But in a bold Facebook post later that night, she vowed to continue serving her constituents till 2027 and beyond, insisting that the suspension does not strip her of legitimacy.
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Is this a genuine enforcement of Senate discipline, or is Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan being punished for speaking up?
Should the Senate review the suspension?
Should an independent panel investigate the harassment allegations against Akpabio?
Drop your thoughts in the comments! 👇👇
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