The complaint filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) conference in New York on Tuesday has generated significant responses.
The Kogi State legislator presented her case to the international body, seeking intervention regarding what she describes as an injustice she has faced.
Following her presentation, the IPU assured Senator Natasha that it would take appropriate measures to address her concerns after considering the perspectives of all parties involved.
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 presented by Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, who is attending the event in an official capacity on behalf of Nigeria.
The Senate’s letter stated, in part, “Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behavior, and not due to allegations of sexual harassment or assault.
The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria categorically denies the intentional misinformation and false narratives being propagated by certain media outlets regarding the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha 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.”
Honourable Ogbara has called for a comprehensive investigation into the allegations made by Senator Natasha against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
She asserted that all procedures and requisite actions in accordance with Senate rules were duly followed prior to Senator Natasha’s suspension.
Last week, the Senate took the decision to suspend the lawmaker, a move that has sparked ongoing discussions nationwide.
Senator Natasha had previously filed a petition with the Senate, accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment. However, her petition was dismissed by the lawmakers before her subsequent suspension.
Despite the suspension, Senator Natasha has pledged to persist in her battle against what she perceives as “injustice.” In response to the allegations, Akpabio has categorically denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he has never assaulted women.
The conflict between the Senate President and Senator Natasha began on February 20, 2025, when her seat was reassigned during a plenary session.
This is not the first instance of discord between the two. In July 2024, Akpabio had reprimanded her for misconduct, stating that the Senate is not a nightclub where individuals can speak freely without regard for decorum. Nevertheless, he later extended an apology for his comments.
