The Nigerian Senate’s recent six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has ignited a spectrum of reactions across the nation.
The suspension, enacted on March 6, 2025, stems from allegations of misconduct and violations of Senate Standing Rules, following her public accusation of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio
In what many are calling a politically charged decision, the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday handed a six-month suspension to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The suspension follows her public claim of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and her protest over the reallocation of her seat in the Senate chamber.
Speaking moments after the announcement, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan condemned the decision, calling it an attack on justice.
“Against the culture of silence, intimidation, and victim-shaming, my unjust suspension from the Nigerian Senate invalidates the principles of natural justice, fairness, and equity. But let it be known—I remain the elected senator of my people.” She stated
The Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions justified the move, claiming that the senator’s actions brought the institution into disrepute.
But the decision has drawn sharp criticism from women’s rights groups. Chioma Agwuegbo, executive director of TechHerNG, described the suspension as a dangerous precedent against women speaking out.
“What we are witnessing is not just about Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan—it’s about the message this sends to every woman who dares to speak truth to power. The Ethics Committee failed the test of fairness.”
Legal experts have also weighed in, questioning the legality of the Senate’s decision. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana argues that the suspension is unconstitutional.
“The Supreme Court has ruled time and again that legislative bodies cannot suspend an elected representative beyond the powers granted by the constitution. This is a clear violation of due process.”
Meanwhile, the APC Professionals Network defended the Senate’s decision, insisting that discipline must be maintained within the legislature. A spokesperson for the group stated:
“The legislature is one of the oldest arms of government and must be treated as a sacred institution. No individual, no matter how powerful, should undermine its integrity.”
With tensions rising, political observers say this case could set a significant precedent for how allegations of misconduct are handled within Nigeria’s legislative space.
For now, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan remains defiant, vowing to challenge the suspension and continue representing her constituents.
As Nigeria watches closely, the debate rages on, was this a necessary step to uphold the Senate’s ethics, or a silencing tactic against a vocal female lawmaker? Only time will tell.
About the Author
