Senator Natasha was suspended due to gross misconduct, not as a result of her allegations, the Senate informed the IPU.
The grievance presented by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Conference in New York on Tuesday has sparked considerable discussion.
The Kogi representative brought her concerns to this international body, seeking intervention regarding what she describes as an injustice inflicted upon her.
Following her presentation, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) informed Senator Natasha that it would take appropriate measures to address her concerns after considering the opposing viewpoint.
In response to Senator Natasha's complaint to the IPU, the Nigerian Senate issued a letter through Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.
This letter was conveyed by Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, who is attending the conference in an official capacity on behalf of Nigeria. The letter stated, in part, “Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended due to gross misconduct and unruly behavior, not because of any allegations of sexual harassment or assault. The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria categorically denies the deliberate misinformation and false narratives being propagated by certain media outlets regarding the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“It must be clearly stated that her suspension was solely due to her ongoing misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders.”
Honorable Ogbara, however, called for a comprehensive investigation into the allegations made by Senator Natasha against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She asserted that all procedures and necessary actions in accordance with Senate rules were followed prior to Senator Natasha’s suspension.
Last week, the Senate suspended the lawmaker, a decision that has continued to provoke debate throughout the nation.
Initially, she had filed a petition with the Senate accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment, but the Senate dismissed it before proceeding with her suspension, even after she submitted a subsequent petition.
The commitment to combat "injustice" remains steadfast. Following the suspension, Akpabio refuted the allegations against him, asserting that he has never engaged in any form of assault against women.
The conflict between him and the Senate president began on February 20, 2025, when her seat was reassigned during a plenary session.
This incident is not the first instance of discord between the two. In July 2024, while attempting to address her behavior, Akpabio advised her to adhere to the established protocols, stating that the Senate is not a venue for casual conversation. However, he later expressed regret for his comments.