By Okafor Joseph Afam, March 6,2025

The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months following her sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. This decision, recommended by the Senate Committee on Ethics and Public Petitions, also includes the suspension of her salary, allowances, and those of her legislative aides, along with the withdrawal of her security details.

Senate Committee Recommends Harsh Measures

SpringsNewsNG earlier reported that the Senate Committee on Ethics and Public Petitions had proposed the suspension, citing violations of the Senate Standing Rules.

Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Ethics Committee, presented the recommendation during Thursday’s plenary, stating:

“That the Senate should suspend Senator Natasha for six months for her violation of the Senate Standing Rules 2023 (as amended) and for bringing the Senate President and the Senate in general to public disgrace.”

The committee further stipulated conditions for lifting or reducing the suspension, requiring Natasha to submit a written apology before reconsideration.

Key Restrictions During Suspension

The Senate’s decision comes with stringent restrictions, including:

• Immediate suspension from all legislative activities starting March 6, 2025.
• Locking of her office for the entire suspension period.
• Surrendering all Senate properties in her possession.
• Complete ban from the National Assembly premises, including its staff areas.
• Non-payment of salaries and allowances for both her and her aides.
• Withdrawal of security escorts assigned to her.

Ethics Committee Dismisses Sexual Harassment Petition

The suspension follows the committee’s dismissal of Senator Natasha’s sexual harassment petition against Akpabio, ruling it “dead on arrival.”

During Wednesday’s plenary, the committee declared the petition procedurally inadmissible, citing Order 40, Subsection 4 of the Senate Standing Rules, which prohibits a senator from personally signing a petition they submit.

“The petition presented today is actually dead on arrival. It runs contrary to Order 40, Subsection 4, which states that no senator should present a petition signed by him or herself,” the Ethics Committee ruled.

Supporting the decision, the Senate Chief Whip emphasized that the petition lacked legal standing, arguing that the Senate should not have even referred it to the committee.

Political Fallout

Senator Natasha, representing Kogi Central, had filed the petition on Wednesday, accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment. However, its swift dismissal and her subsequent suspension signal a power struggle within the Senate.

With this development, political observers speculate that the move could set a precedent for how dissent within the Senate is handled. Meanwhile, supporters of Senator Natasha have condemned the suspension, calling it an attempt to silence her.

What’s Next?

As Natasha’s suspension takes effect, all eyes will be on whether she complies with the conditions for reconsideration or challenges the decision. Will she submit an apology, or will this escalate into a larger political battle?

Stay tuned to SpringsNewsNG for further updates on this developing story.