The Senator representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has rejected her six-month suspension from the Senate, describing it as unjust and a violation of the principles of natural justice, fairness, and equity.
“Against the culture of silence, intimidation, and victim-shaming, my unjust suspension from the Nigerian Senate invalidates the principles of natural justice, fairness, and equity,” she stated.
She insisted that the suspension does not strip her of her legitimacy as a senator and vowed to continue serving her constituents until 2027. As tensions rose during the plenary session, the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms, Mukhtar Dawodawa, switched off her microphone before she left the chamber.
Background of the Suspension
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension followed a heated confrontation during the February 20 plenary session when she protested the reassignment of her seat and removal of her nameplate by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Her opposition led to a tense exchange, prompting the Senate to refer the matter to the Ethics Committee for review. However, she refused to appear before the committee.
Despite a court ruling barring the Senate from proceeding with disciplinary action against her, the upper chamber moved ahead with the suspension, locking her office, withdrawing her security details, and barring her from legislative activities. The Senate, however, stated that she could seek a review of her suspension if she submits a written apology.
Re-Submission of Sexual Harassment Petition Against Akpabio
Meanwhile, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has re-submitted a sexual harassment petition against Senate President Akpabio, this time on behalf of her constituents, led by Zubairu Yakubu.
During Thursday’s plenary, Akpabio initially sought clarification on whether there were legal barriers to accepting the petition. After Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed there were none, he directed her to lay the petition before the Senate. The matter was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, with a directive to report back in four weeks.
This development followed a failed attempt on Wednesday to submit a similar petition. The Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North), had argued that the petition could not be entertained, citing Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders. He claimed the matter was sub judice due to an ongoing court case involving Akpoti-Uduaghan and the wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Ekaette Akpabio.
The controversy continues to generate reactions, with legal experts and opposition parties calling for a review of the suspension and a fair hearing for the senator.
