Breaking: Senate Suspends Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for 6 Months

The Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, for a period of six months.

The decision comes after the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, which found her guilty of misconduct and failure to appear before the committee.

The suspension stems from allegations of sexual harassment that Akpoti-Uduaghan levelled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She accused Akpabio of obstructing her legislative motions, particularly those concerning the Ajaokuta Steel Company, and claimed he referred to her as a “nightclub girl” during a Senate session—a remark for which he later apologised.

Presenting the committee’s report during Thursday’s plenary, Chairman Senator Neda Imasuen stated that Senator Natasha was found guilty of all allegations due to her non-compliance with the committee’s proceedings. The panel recommended that her salary and security details be withdrawn during the suspension period.

In addition to the suspension, the committee advised that Akpoti-Uduaghan issue a formal apology to the Senate for actions deemed disrespectful to the institution.

During the deliberation, Abba Moro pleaded for leniency, saying, “We plead that while implementing these recommendations, which are likely to be approved by the Senate, the 6-month suspension for Senator Natasha is reduced to 3 months, if convinient for the Senate and Mr President . Three months is sufficient for some level of restitution.”

As a result of the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan will be barred from accessing the National Assembly premises, and her office will remain locked for the duration of the six-month period. Akpabio has consistently denied any misconduct, emphasizing his respect for women and refuting the claims as unfounded .