The Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, a day after she publicly accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.
The controversy began last Friday when Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi state under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), alleged during an Arise TV interview that Akpabio had solicited sexual favours from her and had politically retaliated against her refusal.
The accusations sparked a heated national debate, with calls for a transparent investigation into the matter.
The feud between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio dates back to late 2023 when the two clashed over a legislative matter. Tensions flared again last week when Akpoti-Uduaghan resisted an attempt to reassign her Senate seat to a newly sworn-in lawmaker.
She decried the move as a targeted political attack and, after speaking out in the media, was referred to the Senate’s ethics committee for disciplinary action.
The committee, led by Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), dismissed her petition on procedural grounds and, instead, recommended her suspension, arguing that her actions had brought ridicule to the Senate. Some lawmakers pushed for a three-month suspension, but the majority voted for the full six months.
The Senate withdrew the lawmaker’s security and suspended her remuneration for the duration of the suspension but said she may be recalled early if she apologizes.
As the sergeant-at-arms escorted Akpoti-Uduaghan out of the chamber, as she shouted, “this injustice will not stand”, Premium Times reported.
Calls for probe
The fallout from her accusations has divided public opinion. On Wednesday, protests erupted outside the National Assembly in Abuja, with two opposing groups—one supporting Akpabio and the other backing Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Before her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a defamation lawsuit against Akpabio, citing derogatory remarks made about her by his aide on social media. The aide had accused her of dressing provocatively in the Senate and wearing excessive makeup.
In her interview, Akpoti-Uduaghan said that in December 2023, Akpabio had made sexual advances at her while her husband was present.
Despite widespread calls for a formal probe, the Senate has yet to indicate whether it will investigate the allegations.
With Akpoti-Uduaghan now sidelined for six months, the controversy shows no signs of fading, as many Nigerians continue to demand accountability and justice.
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