Senate President Godswill Akpabio rebukes Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for misrepresenting the Nigerian Senate internationally, following her suspension over misconduct allegations.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has publicly accused Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of distorting facts and misrepresenting the Senate on international platforms. This accusation follows Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension for alleged misconduct, a decision that has sparked significant debate both domestically and abroad.
The controversy began when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment during a live interview on February 28, 2025. She claimed that her challenges in the Senate started after she rejected Akpabio’s alleged advances in December 2023. These allegations led to heightened tensions within the Senate, culminating in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension on March 6, 2025, for violating Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate Standing Orders 2023. The suspension was based on her alleged misconduct during plenary sessions, including speaking without recognition and making abusive remarks against the Senate leadership.
In response to her suspension, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan escalated the matter to the international arena (IPU). She addressed the Women in Parliament session during the Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting at the United Nations in New York, calling for international intervention to hold the Nigerian Senate accountable. During her speech, she accused Senate President Akpabio of victimization, sexual harassment, and abuse of office, portraying her suspension as a punitive measure for her refusal to comply with his alleged advances.
Senate President Akpabio, during a plenary session on March 13, 2025, criticized Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for her actions. He accused her of distorting facts and presenting a misleading narrative to the international community, thereby embarrassing the Nigerian Senate. Akpabio expressed appreciation for federal lawmaker Kafilat Ogbara, who clarified to the international media that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s version of events was inconsistent with the actual proceedings in the Senate. He stated, “I appreciate Hon Kafilat for clarifying to the international media that what was presented was completely different from the reality.”
Akpabio further elaborated that Akpoti-Uduaghan had initially brought her allegations before the Senate through a petition but did not allow the Senate to examine it, choosing instead to take the matter to court and subsequently to the international community. He expressed concern that such actions could discourage politicians from appointing women into key positions, stating, “Actions like these could discourage politicians from appointing women into key positions.”
The Senate President also addressed the impact of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations on the Senate’s image, stating that the sexual harassment allegation had traumatized the entire Senate. He questioned the timing of the allegations, suggesting they emerged only after changes to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s committee assignments. Akpabio emphasized his respect for women, citing his upbringing by a single mother and his recognition as a gender-friendly governor in Nigeria.
Natasha vs Akpabio
Akpabio said: “I am aware that she distorted the facts and globalised the matter, embarrassing the Senate by giving a different narrative. I appreciate Hon Kafilat for clarifying to the international media that what was presented was completely different from the reality.”
He further stated: “She brought the matter before the Senate through a petition but did not allow us to examine it. Instead, she took it to court and later to the international community. Actions like these could discourage politicians from appointing women into key positions.”
The Senate President also addressed the impact of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations on the Senate’s image, stating that the sexual harassment allegation had traumatized the entire Senate. He questioned the timing of the allegations, suggesting they emerged only after changes to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s committee assignments. Akpabio emphasized his respect for women, citing his upbringing by a single mother and his recognition as a gender-friendly governor in Nigeria.
In light of these events, Akpabio received a vote of confidence from his colleagues during the plenary session. He urged senators to remain focused on their legislative responsibilities and avoid distractions that could derail the work of the Senate.
Read also: Shocking! Senate Passes Vote of Confidence on Akpabio’s Leadership
He added: “I thank you for this vote of confidence. Let us stay focused and avoid unnecessary distractions.”
The situation has drawn reactions from various quarters. Civil society organizations, including the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties and the Coalition of National Civil Society Organizations, have called for a transparent and impartial investigation into the matter. Atedo Peterside, founder of Anap Foundation and Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, condemned Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, describing it as “disturbing” and disrespectful to her constituents. Mabel Adinya Ade of the Adinya Arise Foundation criticized the Senate’s actions as a “stunning display of patriarchal impunity,” highlighting past court rulings against the arbitrary suspension of elected senators.
The allegations against Senate President Akpabio are not isolated. In 2020, Joy Nunieh, former acting managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, among other allegations. Akpabio has denied these claims and has threatened legal action against Nunieh.
