“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Fights Back: Reports Suspension and Sexual Harassment Case Against Akpabio to Global Parliament Body”
Written by Okafor Joseph Afam, Editor for SpringNewsNG Media Limited, March 12, 2025.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken her suspension case to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), accusing the Senate, under the leadership of President Godswill Akpabio, of silencing her after she submitted a petition alleging sexual harassment against Akpabio.
The Kogi Central lawmaker described the Senate’s action as “illegal” and emblematic of the systemic challenges women face in Nigeria’s political space. “I am not here to bring shame to my country; I am here to bring help to the women of our country,” she stated.
Akpoti-Uduaghan explained that on March 6, she was suspended for six months after filing her petition against Akpabio. She expected that her complaint would prompt Akpabio to recuse himself from the process and allow an independent investigation by the Senate Committee on Ethics. Instead, she was met with suspension and restrictions.
“I was suspended under stringent conditions: my security detail was withdrawn, all officials working closely with me as a Senator were removed, my salary was cut off, I was barred from appearing anywhere near the National Assembly, and I was prohibited from introducing myself as a Senator,” she revealed.
She further emphasized that her suspension extends beyond personal grievance, shedding light on the broader issue of women’s political participation in Nigeria. “Women make up only 2.8% of the Senate. Out of 109 senators, only four of us are women. My call for an open investigation into harassment has been met with hostility instead of accountability, in full view of the world. Imagine what ordinary Nigerians face every day,” she added.
After her initial petition was dismissed, Akpoti-Uduaghan resubmitted it with the endorsement of Azamariya Mariya, a member of her constituency. The petition accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, abuse of office, and obstruction of her legislative duties.
During her submission, she stressed that the case was not under judicial consideration in Nigeria, reaffirming that it fell within the Senate’s purview. The matter was later referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for review. However, her subsequent suspension has drawn widespread criticism, with many viewing it as a misuse of power aimed at stifling her voice.
The unfolding situation has sparked national and international conversations about gender representation, power dynamics, and the treatment of women in Nigerian politics.
