In a significant development within Nigeria’s political landscape, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been suspended for six months following a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The controversy began on February 20, 2025, after a seating arrangement disagreement, during which Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment—a claim he has denied.
The Senate’s decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan was announced by Senate President Akpabio, who cited her violation of the Senate Standing Rules (2023 as amended) for bringing the presiding officer and the entire Nigerian Senate into disrepute. Despite efforts by some senators to reduce the suspension period to three months, the majority vote upheld the initial six-month suspension.
However, the Senate ruled that the suspension could be lifted or reduced if Akpoti-Uduaghan submits a written apology. Senate President Akpabio emphasized that the Senate would reconsider her suspension upon receiving the apology.
In a notable decision, the Senate agreed that the salaries of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s aides would continue to be paid. Senator Orji Kalu argued that it would be unjust to deprive the aides of their allowances, stating, “The aides of Natasha are not Natasha.”
Following the suspension, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was escorted out of the chambers by the Sergeant-At-Arms. Before leaving, she declared, “This injustice will not be sustained.”
The suspension was recommended by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, which found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of violating Senate rules. The committee, led by Neda Imaseun (Edo South), dismissed her initial petition on the grounds of procedural breaches, but she re-submitted it hours later. The committee then recommended her suspension, which was ratified by the Senate.
In addition to the six-month suspension, the committee recommended locking Akpoti-Uduaghan’s office, barring her from the National Assembly during the suspension, and stopping her salary and that of her legislative aides.
