Reactions As Senate Suspends Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) for six months has sparked widespread condemnation, with legal experts and political figures criticising the decision as unjust and politically motivated.
The Senate had adopted the recommendations of its Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, which investigated a petition against Akpoti-Uduaghan filed by Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti). As part of the sanctions, she was stripped of her security details and barred from representing the Senate in international engagements.
The dispute stemmed from a confrontation between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a plenary session, where she accused him of sexual harassment—a claim Akpabio strongly denied.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan Rejects Suspension
Reacting to her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan decried the decision as an attack on justice, fairness, and democracy.
“The illegal suspension does not withdraw my legitimacy as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and I will continue to use my duly elected position to serve my constituents and country to the best of my ability till 2027 … and beyond,” she declared through her Chief Press Secretary, Isreal Orogbonlo.
She criticised what she described as a culture of intimidation and victim-shaming, vowing to remain steadfast despite attempts to silence her.
Labour Party and Legal Experts Condemn Suspension
The Labour Party (LP) has urged the Senate to review its decision, with its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, condemning the suspension as unlawful, especially since it coincides with International Women’s Day.
“What the Senate has done is illegal and unlikely to stand. They suspended the senator without granting her fair hearing and disregarded a court ruling that barred them from taking such action,” Ifoh stated.
Several legal practitioners also criticised the move. Chief Festus Ogwuche, a lawyer based in Port Harcourt, described it as a clear violation of natural justice, arguing that allegations of sexual harassment should have been investigated rather than ignored.
“The Senators, rather than address this significant complaint, shoved it aside and proceeded against Natasha in a manner akin to calling a dog a bad name just to hang it,” Ogwuche remarked.
Similarly, Ige Asemudara, founder of Mission Against Injustice in Nigeria, accused the Senate of suppressing justice. “The Senate was too hasty in suspending Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. Such an allegation is weighty and should not have been dismissed on the altar of rules,” he argued.
Ezekwesili Praises Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Resilience
Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, commended Akpoti-Uduaghan for standing firm in the face of adversity.
“Natasha won today. That was the most they could do—collectively abuse their powers. As always. But today is not forever,” Ezekwesili wrote on social media.
She urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from the senator’s courage and to continue advocating for justice and accountability.
Senate Leaders Defend Decision
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, speaking at an event marking International Women’s Day, denied the harassment allegations and dismissed suggestions that the suspension was politically motivated.
“At no time did I ever harass any female colleague. I have always worked with women respectfully and ensured they are given opportunities based on their abilities,” Akpabio stated.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also defended the decision, insisting that the suspension was about maintaining the dignity of the Senate. “This is not about gender or regional affiliations; it is about upholding the integrity of the Senate. Deliberate disregard for our rules cannot go unchecked,” he stated.
Calls For Leniency And Protection For Aides
Meanwhile, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North) urged his colleagues to reconsider withholding the salaries of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s aides.
“We cannot punish the aides of Senator Natasha for an offence they did not commit,” Kalu said. “They are staff of the National Assembly, and they have no other means of livelihood apart from the salaries they earn.”
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro also appealed for leniency, suggesting a reduction of the suspension from six months to three months.
“Nigerians are looking up to us as role models. We must ensure that our actions do not bring disrepute to this honourable institution,” he stated.
First Lady Weighs In
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu also commented on the matter, urging respect for the Senate and dismissing public controversies.
“I know with what is going on in the Senate, you may wonder why I’m not taking a position,” she said. “I believe the Senate is doing what is needful because that is what it is. It is a mature chamber, and we shouldn’t be hearing things like this. Being in that place is an honour.”
Ongoing Debate
As public discourse continues, Akpoti-Uduaghan remains defiant, insisting that she will continue representing her constituents. With growing calls for a review of the Senate’s decision, the controversy surrounding her suspension is far from over.
