Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspended for 6 Months Over Sexual Harassment Allegation Against Senate President Akpabio

By DAYO ADESULU

The Nigerian Senate has officially suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months following her sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. This decision was made on Thursday, March 6, 2024, after a recommendation from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.

As part of the suspension, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s salary and security details will be withdrawn, and she will be barred from accessing the National Assembly premises. Additionally, her office will be locked, and her legislative aides will not receive their salaries throughout the suspension period.

Senate Ruling on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension

The Senate ruled out reconsidering her suspension unless she submits a formal apology. The move comes after a tense confrontation between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio, during which she protested the reassignment of her seat. She arrived at a plenary session to find her nameplate removed and her seat reassigned, an action she described as an attempt to silence her.

The Senate debated the issue and eventually put the suspension to a vote. With the majority siding with the Senate Ethics Committee’s report, her suspension was confirmed.

Justification for the Suspension Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan

Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro supported the Ethics Committee’s recommendation, stating that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions warranted disciplinary action. He likened the suspension to “correcting a child,” referencing Nigerian cultural norms. To appeal the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan must submit a written apology to the Senate for allegedly violating its rules.

Initially, the Ethics Committee recommended a six-month suspension. However, after Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) pleaded for a reduction, the Senate reconsidered and reduced the suspension to three months. Despite this, the final ruling upheld the six-month suspension.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Confrontation With Akpabio

The controversy began when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan openly challenged Senate President Akpabio over the reassignment of her seat during a plenary session. The Senate chamber witnessed a dramatic scene as she protested the decision, demanding an explanation. She argued that the move was an attempt to suppress her voice following her allegations against Akpabio.

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After the heated confrontation, the matter was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, led by Senator Neda Imasuen. The committee was tasked with conducting a thorough investigation and reporting back to the Senate within two weeks.

Senate Committee’s Verdict and Findings

Following its investigation, the Ethics Committee ruled that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions during the plenary session had violated Senate rules. The committee found her conduct to be inappropriate and recommended disciplinary action. The report was then presented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South).

In his presentation, Adaramodu stated that the uproar caused by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan during the session had severely damaged the Senate’s image. The Senate considered the report and adopted the recommendations, leading to the confirmation of her suspension.

Public and Political Reactions to the Suspension

The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has sparked widespread reactions within Nigeria’s political landscape. While some lawmakers and political analysts view the suspension as a justified action to maintain order in the Senate, others see it as a move to suppress dissent and silence opposition voices.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has responded to the suspension, stating that the decision was unjust and politically motivated. “This injustice will not be sustained,” she declared, vowing to challenge the Senate’s ruling.

Meanwhile, supporters of Senate President Akpabio have defended the Senate’s decision, arguing that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions disrupted the chamber’s proceedings and warranted disciplinary measures.

What’s Next for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan?

With the six-month suspension in effect, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan faces a significant political hurdle. To regain her position in the Senate, she will need to submit a formal written apology. However, given her stance on the matter, it remains unclear whether she will comply with this requirement.

The suspension marks a critical moment in Nigeria’s legislative history, raising concerns about power dynamics within the Senate and the treatment of lawmakers who challenge authority.

Conclusion

The six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over her sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio has ignited a heated political debate. While the Senate upholds the suspension as a disciplinary measure, critics argue that it undermines democracy and silences opposition voices. As the controversy unfolds, all eyes remain on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s next move and the potential political repercussions of this decision.

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Dayo Adesulu, online editor, SEO expert.