Senate Suspends Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for Six Months Over Rule Violation

The Nigerian Senate suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for violating Senate Rules and damaging its public image.

The suspension, announced during Thursday’s plenary, followed her dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she accused of sexual harassment.

Akpabio denied the allegation and read the Senate Committee on Ethics’ recommendation to suspend her for violating the 2023 Rules.

He said, “The Senate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for violating rules and bringing the Senate to public opprobrium.”

Senate’s Conditions for Reinstatement

Despite attempts by some senators to reduce the suspension to three months, a majority vote upheld the six-month duration. However, the lawmakers agreed that her suspension could be lifted or shortened if she tenders a written apology to the Senate.

“For the Senate to consider lifting this suspension or reducing the tenure of the suspension, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan shall submit a written apology to the Senate before her reconsideration by the Nigerian Senate,” Akpabio declared.

Senate Overrules Sanction on Aides’ Salaries

Initially, the committee recommended stopping the salaries of her aides, but the Senate overruled this decision.
“The aides of Natasha are not Natasha,” Kalu noted. “It would be wrong for this Senate to deprive these aides of their allowances.”

Natasha Escorted Out of Chambers, Rejects Suspension

Following the formal approval of her suspension, the Kogi Central lawmaker was escorted out of the chambers by the Sergeant-At-Arms. However, before exiting, she declared:

“This injustice will not be sustained.”

Background of the Dispute

The controversy began on February 20, 2025, when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed with Senate President Akpabio over a seating arrangement dispute. The situation escalated when she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office, submitting a petition before the Senate.

The Senate Ethics Committee, led by Senator Neda Imaseun, dismissed her petition as “dead on arrival” due to procedural breaches.

They argued Senator Natasha personally signed the petition without third-party endorsement, which violated Senate rules and rendered it invalid.

Hours later, she re-submitted the petition, but that same day, the committee recommended suspension for rule violations, quickly approved by the Senate.

Additional Sanctions

Apart from the six-month suspension, the Senate also ordered the sealing of her office and barred her from entering the National Assembly premises during the suspension.

Senator Natasha’s suspension is the latest dispute with Senate leadership, as tensions within the Red Chambers continue unfolding.

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