The Nigerian Senate has told the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended due to gross misconduct and unruly behaviour, not allegations of sexual harassment.
Senator Natasha, who is representing Kogi Central, had lodged complaint to the IPU in New York on Tuesday, March 11 that she was suspended over sexual harassment accusation against Senator Godswill Akpabio, urging the global institution to prevail over what she described as an injustice meted on her.
But the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele on Wednesday, March 12 reacted to the allegation in a letter to IPU, which was read by the Chairperson of the House of Representatives committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, who is attending the event in an official capacity representing Nigeria.
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Ogbara said the National Assembly mandated her to present a response to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s speech at the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.
“In response to the call by the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Right Honorable Tulia Ackson to hear both sides of the matter, I have received a letter from the Nigerian Senate in my capacity as chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development of our parliament in Nigeria and the parliamentarian representing Nigeria at this conference,” she stated.
According to her, “Such allegations demand a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation. At the same time, we must ensure that fairness is upheld for all individuals involved and that justice is neither predetermined nor one-sided.
“Nigeria remains firmly committed to upholding women’s rights and combating gender-based violence through strong legal frameworks and institutions. Our Parliament and Judiciary continue to undergo reforms to strengthen these efforts.
“The ongoing legislative initiatives seek to address historical imbalances in women’s representation in our Parliament, including the Reserve Seats Bill and other crucial proposed constitutional amendments aimed at safeguarding the rights and privileges of women. These efforts underscore our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable political space.”
Addressing the allegations against Akpabio, Ogbara said, “It is important to recognise that both the allegations made and the responses provided are serious matters that require careful and unbiased scrutiny. This issue, which remains subjudice, involves multiple elements, including allegations of sexual harassment and potential violations of Senate rules. While it is necessary to engage in introspection and understand any potential connections, these matters must also be considered separately.
“It is imperative that we uphold the principles of fairness and ensure that no individual is prematurely judged without a transparent and impartial process. Therefore, I call for the following actions: A thorough and unbiased investigation, ensuring that all claims and defences are examined fairly and transparently.
“Protection of all parties involved, safeguarding the rights of all individuals, and preventing any form of intimidation or retaliation, accountability and transparency and upholding institutional integrity by ensuring that due process is rigorously followed.”
She then read the position paper of the Senate by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.
The Senate letter read in part, “Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behaviour and not as a result of allegation of sexual harassment or assault.
“The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation and false narrative being circulated by certain media organisations regarding the six-month suspension of Senator Natsaha-Akpoti-Uduaghan.”
According to the Senate, Akpoti-Uduaghan was found guilty of violating Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate Rules, which led to her suspension.
“If Akpoti-Uduaghan had strictly followed its guiding principles, the Senate would have treated her petition based on merit in line with its practice, noting that she never obeyed the established practices of the institution where she was serving,” Bamidele said.
The statement further explained, “Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was a decision of the Committee of the Whole Senate, following the submission of a report by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges.”
The Senate accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of “refusing to sit in her assigned seat during plenary on February 25, 2025, despite multiple pleas from the leadership and other ranking senators,” engaging in “unruly and disruptive behaviour,” and making “abusive and disrespectful remarks against the leadership of the Senate.”
She was also accused of “defying and refusing to comply with the summons of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges mandated to investigate cases of misconduct.”
The Senate maintained that her suspension was necessary to restore order and uphold the integrity of the legislative body.
“No senator, regardless of status, gender, or political affiliation, is above the rules of the Senate.
“Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was a direct consequence of her actions and nothing else,” the statement added.
They called on media organisations to “correct the misrepresentations” and refrain from spreading “falsehoods that undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative process.”
Akpabio accuses Natasha of distortion of facts
Senator Akpabio has accused Senator Natasha of distorting facts and attempting to embarrass Nigeria by going to the United Nations Inter-parliamentary conference to accuse the Senate of suspending her because of her sexu@l harassment allegations against him.
During Senate plenary on Thursday, March 13, Akpabio criticised the Kogi senator for trying to “embarrass the upper chamber by presenting a misleading narrative to the international community.”
“I am aware that she distorted the facts and globalised the matter, embarrassing the Senate by giving a different narrative. I appreciate Hon Kafilat for clarifying to the international media that what was presented was completely different from the reality.
She brought the matter before the Senate through a petition but did not allow us to examine it. Instead, she took it to court and later to the international community. Actions like these could discourage politicians from appointing women into key positions.”
Akpabio, who spoke after receiving a vote of confidence from his colleagues, urged senators to remain focused on their legislative responsibilities and avoid distractions that could derail the work of the Senate.
“I thank you for this vote of confidence. Let us stay focused and avoid unnecessary distractions,” he said.
