Natasha Akpoti suspended for gross misconduct – Senate clears air
The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday said that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was given a six-month suspension due to her gross misconduct and not claims of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
According to a statement by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, contrary to the “deliberate misinformation and false narratives” circulating in the media, Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for violation of standing rules.
“Let it be unequivocally stated that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent acts of misconduct, blatant disregard for the provisions of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended), and gross indiscipline—nothing more, nothing less,” he said.
Bamidele stressed that the suspension followed the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges report, which found the Kogi senator guilty of violating multiple sections of the Senate Rules.
The specific infractions listed included refusal to occupy her assigned seat during plenary, speaking without being recognized by the presiding officer, engaging in unruly and disruptive behavior, making abusive remarks against Senate leadership, and defying summons from the Ethics and Privileges Committee.
He emphasized that these actions constituted a “direct challenge to the Authority of the Senate” and necessitated disciplinary action to maintain order and integrity.
On Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition, which some media reports linked to the suspension, Bamidele explained that it was “rightfully discountenanced” due to its failure to adhere to established procedural requirements.
Bamidele added: “Contrary to the false claims being circulated, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was not suspended for making any sexual harassment or for submitting a petition.”
In a related development, the Geneva, Switzerland-based United Nations (UN) Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) told Akpoti-Uduaghan that it will hear from the Senate before addressing her case.
Responding to her address at the global parliamentary session, IPU President Tulia Ackson said. However, the organization had heard from her it would not take any action until it heard from Akpabio and the Senate.
In a video that has gone viral, Ackson said: “We have heard her concern. Having heard her, it would have been an opportunity for all of us to understand what she has said.” We only listen to her side.
“But as an institution, IPU will be taking concerns raised, not only to listen to her side but to give opportunities to the other side as it is the custom with IPU.
“Once we listen to the other side, we will take steps as necessary because she said something out of our agenda.”
Source: The Nation
