By Kolawole Ojebisi
The Nigerian senate has told the Inter-Parliamentary Union, IPU, that the suspension of Kogi lawmaker, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is unrelated to the sexual harassment allegations levelled at the President of the Red Chamber but for the gross misconduct displayed on the floor of the parliament.
The legislative chamber made this claim as the complaint laid by the lawmaker at the United Nations Inter parliamentary conference in New York continues to attract reactions.
Recall that Senator Natasha had taken her case before the global institution for them to prevail over what she said was an injustice meted on her.
After listening to her complaint, the IPU assured Senator Natasha of taking necessary steps to address the complaints she brought to the union after listening to the other side.
The Nigerian Senate has, however, replied to Senator Natasha’s complaint to the IPU through a letter by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.
The letter was read by the Chairperson of the House of Representatives committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, who is attending the event in an official capacity representing Nigeria.
“Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behaviour and not as a result of allegation of sexual harassment or assault.
“The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation and false narrative being circulated by certain media organisations regarding the sixth months suspension of Senator Natsaha-Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“Let it be unequivocally stated that Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent act of misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders,” the Senate letter read in part.
Ogbara, however, demanded a comprehensive probe into the allegation by Senator Natasha against Akpabio. She maintained that procedures and necessary actions under the Senate rules were observed before Senator Natasha’s suspension.
Natasha’s matter gained prominence once again last week following the Senate’s decision to suspend the lawmaker in a move that has continued to generate debates across the country.
She had submitted a petition to the Senate accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment. But the lawmakers threw it out before suspending her, even after submitting another petition.
Meanwhile, Senator Natasha vowed to continue the fight against injustice. However, following the suspension, Akpabio denied the accusations and maintained he has never assaulted women.
Her altercation with the Senate president started on February 20, 2025, after her seat was changed during plenary.
It was gathered that this is not the first time both individuals had issues. In July 2024, Akpabio had reportedly while trying to correct her for misconduct told her to follow the rules, stating that the Senate was not a nightclub where anybody can talk anyhow. He, thereafter, apologised to her for the remark.
