The Nigerian Senate has taken a decisive action by suspending Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for a period of six months, following her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The suspension was officially announced on Thursday after the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions presented its investigative report, citing multiple violations of Senate rules and decorum.
Senator Imasuen Neda Bernards, who serves as the chairman of the committee, submitted the findings, detailing how the committee conducted an inquiry into the matter on Wednesday, where testimonies were gathered, and the senator was given the opportunity to defend her allegations.
During the proceedings, the committee highlighted that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had contributed to a “chaotic and rowdy session” the previous week by refusing to take her designated seat and engaging in a heated verbal altercation on the Senate floor.
As part of the investigation, Senator Raphael Adeyemi Adaramodu, who had lodged a formal petition against Akpoti-Uduaghan, provided his testimony regarding her conduct and behavior within the Senate chamber.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim Folorunsho, representing Ondo South, emphasized the necessity of upholding Senate protocols and maintaining order, stressing that no individual should consider themselves above the institution's established rules and regulations.
Similarly, Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno reinforced the importance of discipline within the legislative body, stating, “Only in the animal kingdom are there no rules and regulations.”
Adding to the discussion, Senator Bassey Aniekun Etim expressed his disappointment regarding Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s conduct during a session on February 20, describing her actions as highly disruptive and detrimental to the Senate’s decorum.
Despite calls for leniency, including an appeal from Minority Leader Abba Moro who suggested a reduced suspension of three months, Senate President Godswill Akpabio maintained the original six-month suspension, which was upheld following a voice vote by the Senate.
In a surprising revelation, Akpabio also shared his personal connection to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, recalling that he had attended her wedding and had even stayed at her residence in 2020.
As part of the disciplinary measures accompanying her suspension, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan will be required to return all National Assembly properties assigned to her. Additionally, her security details will be withdrawn, and her office will be sealed off by the Sergeant-at-Arms to restrict any form of access during the suspension period.