The Senate has refuted widespread claims that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was suspended for accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.
Instead, the upper chamber clarified that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended specifically for her flagrant disobedience of Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended) and her “unparliamentary” behaviour during plenary sessions and proceedings.
In a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described the reports as deliberate misinformation and false narratives circulated by certain media organisations.
Based on the report of its Committee on Ethics and Privileges, the senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months over alleged misconduct, including her refusal to comply with the chamber’s seating arrangements during plenary.
Bamidele noted that the senate upheld her suspension with the proviso that if Akpoti-Uduaghan submits a written apology, the leadership may consider lifting the suspension before the period expires.
He added that rather than adhering to the senate’s authority, Akpoti-Uduaghan had been misleading the public, claiming that her suspension was linked to her sexual harassment accusation against the senate president.
Bamidele said the disciplinary action was solely a response to her repeated violations of legislative decorum.
The statement further explained that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition on sexual harassment was not considered because it failed to meet the procedural requirements for submitting petitions to the senate.
