The Nigerian Senate has clarified that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent suspension was a result of gross misconduct and not linked to her allegations of sexual harassment.
This clarification was conveyed to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) through a letter from Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, which was read by Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs, during a press briefing in New York.
Senator Natasha, who had earlier reported her suspension and alleged injustice to the IPU at its conference in New York, stated that her suspension was politically motivated and urged the global body to intervene. Responding to her claims, the IPU indicated that it would take necessary steps after reviewing inputs from all involved parties.
However, in its official statement, the Nigerian Senate dismissed claims of bias, stating that Senator Natasha was suspended strictly for “persistent acts of misconduct and disregard for Senate Standing Orders.” The Senate refuted media reports suggesting that her suspension was influenced by her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
“Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behavior, not due to any allegations of sexual harassment or assault,” the letter stated. “The authority of the Senate firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation and false narrative being circulated by certain media organizations regarding her six-month suspension.”
