BREAKING: Senate Suspends Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for Six Months

The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months following controversies surrounding her petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The Senate has imposed a six-month suspension on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghen due to breaches of Red Chambers regulations.

Her suspension came after a conflict with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she accused of sexual harassment—a claim that he has denied.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced on Thursday that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan should be suspended for six months due to her complete breach of the Senate Standing Rules (2023 as amended). The suspension is based on recommendations from the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct following its investigation into allegations that she brought dishonor upon the presiding officer and the entire Nigerian Senate.

Although some senators attempted to reduce the suspension period to three months, the Senate upheld the initial decision in a majority vote.

Nonetheless, the lawmakers decided that her suspension could be lifted or reduced if she submits a written apology.

Senator Akpabio stated at the Red Chambers on Thursday that for the Senate to consider lifting or shortening Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, she must submit a written apology prior to her reconsideration by the Nigerian Senate.

However, it agreed to pay the salaries of her aides, contrary…

Senator Orji Kalu stated, “Natasha’s aides should not be confused with Natasha herself,” as he advocated for changes to the sanctions. He added, “It would be unjust for the Senate to deny these aides their allowances.”

After her suspension, the Kogi Central lawmaker was led out of the chambers by the Sergeant-At-Arms. Before departing, she asserted that “this injustice would not be sustained.”

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was enraged about being reassigned to a different seat.

The committee, after conducting an investigation and finding her guilty of violating the Senate’s rules, recommended her suspension.

The suspension of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker marks the peak of several weeks filled with allegations and disputes involving her, Akpabio, and the Senate.

The controversy started on February 20, 2025, following a disagreement over seating arrangements with Senator Akpabio. Subsequently, Senator Natasha accused the Senate president of sexual harassment and abusing his office.

On Wednesday, she presented a petition to the upper legislative body. However, the Senate Committee on Public Conduct, Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions led by Neda Imaseun from Edo South rejected her claims. They labeled her petition “dead on arrival,” citing a violation of due process and legal constraints as reasons for their decision.

A combined photo featuring Senator Godswill Akpabio and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The committee stated that the senator personally signed the petition instead of obtaining someone else’s endorsement, which made it “invalid.”

Senator Natasha re-submitted her petition just hours later. Nevertheless, the Imasuen-led committee recommended her suspension on that very day for violating a Senate rule, and this action was approved by the Red Chambers.

In addition to recommending her six-month suspension, it advised locking the office of the Kogi Central lawmaker, prohibiting her from entering the National Assembly during this period, and halting both her salary and that of her legislative aides.