The Nigerian Senate has clarified before the Inter-Parliamentary Union that the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was due to gross misconduct, not allegations of sexual harassment.

Speaking at the IPU on Wednesday, Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, dismissed claims by Akpoti-Uduaghan at a United Nations event, where she alleged her suspension resulted from raising sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Ogbara, mandated by the National Assembly to respond to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s speech at the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, addressed the matter:

“In response to the call by the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Right Honorable Tulia Ackson, to hear both sides, I have received a letter from the Nigerian Senate in my capacity as Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development and a parliamentarian representing Nigeria at this conference,” she stated.

She emphasized the importance of fairness in handling such allegations:

“Such allegations demand a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation. At the same time, fairness must be upheld for all individuals, ensuring that justice is neither predetermined nor one-sided.

“Nigeria remains firmly committed to upholding women’s rights and combating gender-based violence through strong legal frameworks. Our Parliament and Judiciary continue to undergo reforms to strengthen these efforts.

“The ongoing legislative initiatives address historical imbalances in women’s representation in Parliament, including the Reserve Seats Bill and other constitutional amendments aimed at safeguarding women’s rights. These efforts underscore our commitment to an inclusive and equitable political space.”

Addressing the allegations against Akpabio, Ogbara stated:

“It is important to recognize that both the allegations and responses require careful and unbiased scrutiny. This issue, which remains subjudice, involves multiple elements, including sexual harassment allegations and potential Senate rule violations. While any connections must be examined, these matters should also be considered separately.

“We must uphold fairness and ensure that no individual is prematurely judged without a transparent and impartial process. Therefore, I call for:

A thorough and unbiased investigation, ensuring all claims and defenses are examined fairly.

Protection of all parties involved, safeguarding their rights and preventing intimidation or retaliation.

Accountability and transparency, ensuring that due process is rigorously followed.”

Ogbara then read the Senate’s position paper, presented by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.

The Senate’s letter stated:

“Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behavior, not due to allegations of sexual harassment or assault.

“The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation being circulated by certain media organizations regarding the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“Let it be unequivocally stated that her suspension was solely due to her persistent misconduct and disregard for Senate Standing Orders.”

According to the Senate, Akpoti-Uduaghan violated Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate rules, leading to her suspension.

“If she had followed proper procedures, the Senate would have treated her petition on its merits. However, she failed to adhere to established practices,” Bamidele explained.

The statement further clarified:

“Her suspension was a decision of the Committee of the Whole Senate, following a report by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges.”

The Senate accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of:

• Refusing to sit in her assigned seat during plenary on February 25, 2025, despite multiple pleas.
• Engaging in unruly and disruptive behavior.
• Making abusive and disrespectful remarks against Senate leadership.
• Defying and refusing to comply with summons from the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges investigating misconduct.

The Senate stated that her suspension was necessary to restore order and uphold legislative integrity:

“No senator, regardless of status, gender, or political affiliation, is above the Senate’s rules.

“Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was a direct consequence of her actions and nothing else,” the statement concluded.

The Senate urged media organizations to correct misrepresentations and avoid spreading falsehoods that undermine Nigeria’s legislative process.

Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan escalated her dispute with Akpabio by presenting her case at a United Nations forum, calling for international intervention to hold the Nigerian Senate accountable.