Senator Natasha Akpabio-Uduaghan has reacted to her six months suspension by the Senate amid her sexual harassment allegation against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
The Nigerian Senate suspended Senator Natasha Akpabio-Uduaghan for six months following her sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The suspension, which includes the withdrawal of her salary and security details, was recommended by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. Lawmakers unanimously supported the decision through a voice vote during plenary.
As the voting was ongoing, Senator Natasha, who represents Kogi Central, protested the decision. “This injustice will not be sustained,” she declared before her microphone was cut off.
The controversy surrounding the senator escalated after she refused to move to her designated seat, citing Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules, which protects members’ privileges. Her actions led to a disciplinary review by the Senate Committee on Ethics.
Before the committee could present its findings, Senator Natasha publicly accused Akpabio of sexual harassment during a live television interview, alleging that the Senate President was targeting her because she rejected his advances.
During Thursday’s plenary session on March 6, 2025, she resubmitted her petition against Akpabio after the initial submission was rejected on procedural grounds.
Akpabio has denied the allegations, stating, “I have never harassed any woman.”
