SENATOR Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has denounced her suspension from the Senate, describing it as “an injustice that will not stand.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker was suspended for six months today after the Senate disciplinary committee found her guilty of breaching parliamentary rules following her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Expressing her displeasure, the Kogi Central Senator strongly criticized the decision.
“This injustice will not stand,” she declared, vowing to continue her “pursuit for justice.”
Her suspension stemmed from the Senate disciplinary committee’s recommendation, which was presented to lawmakers during a plenary session today.
The committee had investigated allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of office against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In its findings, the committee stated that the 45-year-old lawyer had violated Senate rules, warranting a six-month suspension.
Despite some lawmakers advocating for a reduction in the suspension period, the majority of the Senate upheld the decision.
Presiding over the session, Senate President Akpabio read the resolutions, noting that the Senate might reconsider reducing or lifting Natasha’s suspension if she submits a written apology.
The committee had also recommended withholding her salary and that of her aides for the suspension period. However, following an appeal by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, this sanction was dismissed.
“The aides of Natasha are not Natasha,” Senator Kalu argued. “It would be unfair to deny them their allowances.”
Senator Natasha’s troubles began on February 20, 2025, after a dispute with Akpabio over a change in her seat. The disagreement escalated into allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President, which he has denied.
She submitted a petition to the Senate today, but it was dismissed, leading to her suspension the following day.