The Nigerian Senate has defended its decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stating that her suspension was due to gross misconduct and not allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
During a session at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), House Committee Chairperson Kafilat Ogbara dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims, emphasizing that her suspension was based on violations of Senate rules.
The Senate, in a statement read by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of disruptive behavior, refusal to comply with Senate procedures, and disregarding committee summons.
The suspension, approved by the Committee of the Whole Senate, was necessary to maintain order and uphold the institution’s integrity, the statement added.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, took her case to a United Nations forum, calling for international intervention against what she described as suppression within the Nigerian Senate.
