Nigerian Senate suspends female Senator over s.e.xual harassment allegations! The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months after she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. The suspension, which takes effect from Thursday, includes the withdrawal of her allowances and security privileges.
Akpabio has denied the allegations, and the Senate ethics committee dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition, citing procedural violations. However, the suspension has sparked outrage, with critics accusing the Senate of silencing a female legislator instead of addressing her concerns.
Accusation and Senate Ethics Committee Ruling
The controversy began when Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of only four women in the 109-seat Senate, accused Akpabio of unwanted sexual advances in 2023.
In a television interview on February 28, she publicly claimed that Akpabio had sexually harassed her. Following this, she formally petitioned the Senate ethics committee, hoping for an investigation. However, on Wednesday, the committee rejected her case, ruling that her petition violated procedural rules.
Female Senator
Senate Session Turns Chaotic
After the rejection of her petition, a heated argument erupted in the Senate over changes to her seating arrangement. Some lawmakers interpreted her protest as disruptive, and this was later used to justify her suspension.
On Thursday, she attempted to speak in the Senate but was prevented and escorted out by the sergeant-at-arms.
“This injustice will not be sustained,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said as she was led out of the chamber.
She later issued a statement on Facebook, condemning the decision:
“Against the culture of silence, intimidation, and victim-shaming, my unjust suspension invalidates the principles of natural justice, fairness, and equity.”
She also reaffirmed her legitimacy as a duly elected senator and vowed to continue serving her constituents in Kogi Central until 2027 and beyond.
Akpabio Denies Allegations
Akpabio has dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims as baseless. Speaking at a plenary session on Wednesday, he stated:
“Since the 20th of February, I have been inundated with phone calls from various Nigerians. I would like to state that at no time did I sexually harass Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.”
His supporters in the Senate have defended the decision to suspend her, arguing that she violated Senate rules by bringing up the allegations in a manner they deemed inappropriate.
Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele suggested that Akpoti-Uduaghan should use her suspension to “learn the rules of the Senate.”
“I asked her what she will gain if she tries to pull the Senate president down,” Bamidele added.
Public Outrage and Protests
The suspension has sparked nationwide debate, with many Nigerians criticizing the Senate’s handling of the situation.
Chioma Agwuegbo, executive director of the women’s rights group TechHerNG, condemned the ethics committee for its bias, stating:
“The ethics committee to which her petition was referred has shown that it is not fit for purpose.”
On Wednesday, two groups of protesters gathered at the National Assembly grounds in Abuja—one supporting Akpabio and the other backing Akpoti-Uduaghan. Chants of “Akpabio must go” echoed through the streets as demonstrators demanded a transparent investigation into the allegations.
Legal Battle and Historical Context
Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a lawsuit against Akpabio, demanding 100 billion naira ($64,000) in damages.
While sexual harassment cases are rare in Nigeria’s National Assembly, this is not the first time a similar scandal has surfaced. In a past incident, Senator Dino Melaye was accused of threatening to sexually assault Senator Remi Tinubu, the current First Lady of Nigeria. However, he was never charged.
What’s Next?
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension has raised concerns about gender discrimination and the silencing of female voices in Nigerian politics. The question remains whether the Senate will reconsider its decision or if the legal battle she has initiated will bring her back into the chamber.
As calls for justice and transparency grow louder, Nigeria watches closely to see whether this case will challenge the status quo or fade into history like previous cases of alleged misconduct in high office.
