Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has announced plans to challenge her six-month suspension from the Senate in court. The suspension followed her public dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements and her allegations of sexual harassment against him.
The Senate, acting on the recommendation of its Committee on Ethics and Privileges, suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan on Thursday for breaching its Standing Orders. The committee found her guilty of misconduct after she failed to attend a hearing to defend herself against the allegations.
However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal counsel, Victor Giwa, described the suspension as illegal, citing a court order that had restrained the Senate from taking further action on the matter. “The suspension is void and cannot take effect. The committee disobeyed a valid court order, making a mockery of the chamber that is supposed to uphold the law,” Giwa stated.
He revealed that legal action would be taken against those responsible for violating the court’s directive. “We are going back to court. The case is coming up in about two weeks, and we will inform the court that despite being served, including the Senate President, they still acted in violation of the order by suspending the plaintiff,” Giwa added.
The suspension, which took effect on March 6, 2025, bars Akpoti-Uduaghan from all legislative activities, locks her office, and withdraws her salary and security details. However, her legislative aides will continue to receive their remuneration.
The Senate rejected the committee’s recommendation that Akpoti-Uduaghan could reduce her suspension by tendering a formal apology to Akpabio, stating that such an apology would only be considered after the six-month period.
During the plenary session, Akpoti-Uduaghan briefly interrupted proceedings, declaring, “This injustice against me will not be sustained. I will fight against it.” She was subsequently escorted out of the chamber by the Sergeant-At-Arms.
Meanwhile, Akpabio described Akpoti-Uduaghan as the wife of a close friend and denied any wrongdoing. He also defended his role as Senate President, stating that his responsibility is to protect the institution and uphold its rules.
The suspension has drawn criticism from various quarters, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and opposition parties. The NBA Women Forum Chairperson, Huwaila Muhammad, questioned the handling of the case, emphasizing that Akpoti-Uduaghan deserved a fair hearing before such a decision was made.
As the legal battle unfolds, the case continues to spark debates about due process, the rule of law, and the Senate’s handling of internal disputes.
