The Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months following her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, intensifying a storm of controversy within Nigeria’s legislative corridors.
The suspension was approved during a plenary session on Thursday, following a recommendation from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. Under the disciplinary measures, Senator Natasha’s salary and security details will be withdrawn, she will be barred from accessing the National Assembly premises, and her office will be locked. Additionally, her legislative aides will not receive their salaries for the duration of the suspension. The Senate ruled that her suspension will remain in effect until the six-month term expires or she submits a formal written apology.
The crisis erupted during a heated confrontation when Senator Natasha protested the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Akpabio. Arriving at a plenary session, she found her nameplate removed and her seat reassigned—an action she described as an attempt to silence her. Denied the opportunity to speak during the vote, the majority of her colleagues sided with the Ethics Committee’s report.
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro endorsed the committee’s recommendation, remarking that the punitive measures were necessary to “correct a child,” a comment that drew mixed reactions in the context of Nigerian political culture.
While some voices within the Senate had called for a reduction of her suspension to three months, the final decision upheld the six-month ban. There is also anticipation that Senator Natasha may soon withdraw the lawsuit she filed against her colleagues, a move seen as critical to restoring harmony and progress within the legislative chamber.
As the fallout from this decision continues to reverberate, the Senate remains sharply divided over the implications for individual accountability and the institution’s broader reputation.
Lagos Reporters will continue to monitor the situation and provide exclusive updates on this developing story.
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