Senate to IPU: Senator Natasha Was Suspended for Gross Misconduct, Not Her Allegations

The Nigerian Senate has clarified to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was due to gross misconduct, not her allegations against Senate President Akpabio. Read more on the controversy.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s complaint at the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Conference in New York on Tuesday has continued to elicit responses.

The Kogi Lawmaker brought her case to the global institution, seeking their intervention in what she describes as an injustice against her.

After hearing her complaint, the IPU assured Senator Natasha that it would take necessary steps to address her concerns after considering both perspectives.

However, the Nigerian Senate responded to Senator Natasha’s complaint to the IPU with a letter from Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.

The letter was read by Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development. She is attending the event in an official capacity as a representative of Nigeria.

The Senate letter stated: “Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended due to gross misconduct and unruly behavior, not because of allegations of sexual harassment or assault. The authority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s Senate strongly denies the intentional misinformation and false narrative spread by certain media outlets regarding Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension.”

It should be clearly stated that Uduaghan was suspended solely due to her repeated misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders.

Honourable Ogbara, on the other hand, urged a comprehensive investigation into Senator Natasha’s allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

She asserted that all procedures and necessary actions required by the Senate rules were followed before Senator Natasha’s suspension.

The Senate’s decision to suspend the lawmaker last week has sparked ongoing debates nationwide.

She initially filed a petition with the Senate, accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment. However, the lawmakers dismissed it and suspended her despite her submitting an additional complaint.