Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has vowed to challenge her six-month suspension in court after a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The suspension followed an argument over seating arrangements in the red chamber and her sexual harassment allegation against Akpabio.
Her legal counsel, Victor Giwa, dismissed the Senate’s resolution as illegal, stating that it went against a court order. Speaking on Thursday, he said the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges had been barred by the court from taking action on the matter. “The suspension is void, it cannot even take any effect. The suspension is illegal because there is a court order that restrained the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges from taking further action,” he stated.
Giwa further noted that if Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had not sought legal action, the suspension could have remained unchallenged. He added that those responsible for ignoring the court’s directive would face legal consequences. “We are going back to court. The case is coming up in about two weeks, and we will inform the court that despite being served, including the Senate President, they still acted in violation of the order by suspending the plaintiff,” he said.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and opposition parties have also criticized the Senate’s decision, arguing that Akpoti-Uduaghan was not given enough opportunity to present her complaint. NBA Women’s Forum Chairperson Huwaila Muhammad questioned the process, stating, “We as citizens would like to see a fair level ground for everybody. She is alleging and proving, and peradventure she is unable to prove what she has alleged, she knows what would come to her. We are in a democracy, suspension is not the answer.”
The Senate, however, maintained its position, citing a breach of its Standing Orders. The Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of violating Senate rules. The committee recommended a six-month suspension without pay, the closure of her office, and the withdrawal of her security details. The Senate initially suggested that she could have her suspension reduced if she apologized, but later decided that an apology would only be considered after the six-month period.
Despite her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan insisted she would not be silenced. “This injustice against me will not be sustained. I will fight against it,” she declared before being escorted out of the chamber by security personnel.
Her suspension has sparked reactions from political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi. Atiku expressed concern over the treatment of women in politics, stating, “The Senate’s action of suspending Natasha for six months without conducting an investigation is an attack on affirmative action.” Obi also condemned the decision, calling it disappointing.
The Labour Party and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) have urged the Senate to reconsider its actions. LP National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh described the suspension as “draconian,” while NNPP’s Ladipo Johnson noted that the matter should have been properly investigated before disciplinary measures were taken.
