The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months following allegations of misconduct and violations of Senate rules. The suspension entails the withdrawal of her salary, allowances, security details, and access to her office within the National Assembly premises.
The decision followed a series of events when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan protested a change in her seating arrangement within the Senate chamber. She claimed that her seat was reassigned without prior notice, prompting her to demand an explanation from the Senate leadership.
Subsequently, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, alleging that he made unwanted advances toward her. In an interview with Arise News, she detailed instances where Akpabio allegedly linked the progression of her legislative motions to personal favors.
The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions reviewed her allegations but dismissed the petition on procedural grounds, stating that she violated Senate rules by personally signing the petition instead of having it endorsed by another party.
