The complaint lodged by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Conference in New York on Tuesday continues to stir reactions. Representing Kogi State, the senator appealed to the global body to intervene in what she describes as an injustice against her. After reviewing her case, the IPU assured Senator Natasha that it would take appropriate measures to address her grievances once it hears from the opposing side.
In response, the Nigerian Senate, through a letter penned by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, addressed her claims to the IPU. The letter was presented at the conference by Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, who is attending the event as an official Nigerian representative. The Senate’s letter stated in part: “Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension stemmed from gross misconduct and disruptive behavior, not from any allegations of sexual harassment or assault. The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria strongly rejects the intentional misinformation and misleading narrative propagated by certain media outlets concerning her six-month suspension. Let it be clear: Uduaghan’s suspension was solely due to her repeated violations of Senate Standing Orders and disregard for decorum.”
Nevertheless, Honorable Ogbara urged a comprehensive investigation into Senator Natasha’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She emphasized that the Senate adhered to its rules and procedures prior to the suspension. The decision to suspend the senator last week has sparked widespread debate nationwide. Initially, Natasha had filed a petition accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment, which the Senate dismissed before suspending her, even after she submitted a second petition.
Undeterred, Senator Natasha pledged to persist in her fight against what she calls “injustice.” Meanwhile, Akpabio has refuted the allegations, asserting that he has never assaulted women. Tensions between the senator and the Senate President flared on February 20, 2025, when her seat was reassigned during a plenary session. This wasn’t their first clash—back in July 2024, Akpabio reprimanded her for misconduct, remarking that the Senate was not a “nightclub where anyone can speak freely.” The Akwa Ibom senator later apologized for the comment.
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