As of March 6, 2025, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central in the Nigerian Senate, has been suspended for six months. This development follows a series of events that escalated tensions between her and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, culminating in her suspension by the Senate on Thursday, March 6, 2025.

Background

The controversy began on February 20, 2025, when Senator Natasha protested a reassignment of her seat in the Senate chamber, which she claimed was done without her consent. This led to a heated exchange with Senate President Akpabio, who ordered her removal from the session. Following this incident, Natasha accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office, alleging that her troubles in the Senate stemmed from rejecting his advances. She submitted a petition to the Senate detailing these claims, which was dismissed by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions on procedural grounds.

Suspension Process

On March 6, 2025, the Senate Committee on Ethics, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, presented its report during a plenary session. The committee found Natasha guilty of "unparliamentary conduct" and violating Senate rules, citing her confrontation with Akpabio and her subsequent allegations. The panel recommended a six-month suspension, effective immediately, which the Senate adopted via a majority vote. Reports indicate that Natasha was not given an opportunity to speak in her defense before the vote, a point that has sparked criticism.

Terms of Suspension

The suspension includes several punitive measures:

Natasha is barred from all legislative activities and from accessing the National Assembly premises.

Her office is to be locked, and she must return all Senate properties in her possession.

Her salary, security details, and other allowances are to be withdrawn during the suspension period, though some reports note that her aides' salaries may continue following an intervention by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.

She is prohibited from representing Nigeria in any official capacity as a senator, both locally and internationally.

The committee stipulated that the suspension could be reviewed if Natasha submits a written apology to the Senate.

Natasha’s Response

Following the suspension, Senator Natasha described the decision as an "injustice" that "will not be sustained." In a statement reported on March 6, 2025, she expressed determination to challenge the ruling, though specific legal or procedural steps she might take remain unclear at this time. She had previously claimed during an Arise News interview that Akpabio blocked her motions in the Senate and suggested she meet him privately, where he allegedly implied she would benefit from complying with his advances.

Public and Media Reaction

The suspension has generated significant attention. Some observers have questioned the fairness of the process, noting the lack of a formal investigation into Natasha’s harassment allegations and the denial of her chance to speak before the vote. Others see the suspension as a consequence of her defiance of Senate protocol. The situation has been widely covered by Nigerian media outlets, including BBC News, Channels Television, and The Punch, with reports highlighting both the official narrative and Natasha’s counterclaims.

Context and Implications

This incident marks a rare and high-profile disciplinary action within the Nigerian Senate, raising questions about internal governance, gender dynamics, and the handling of misconduct allegations in the legislative body. Akpabio has denied the harassment claims, calling them unfounded and affirming his respect for women. The suspension, effective from March 6, 2025, will run until early September 2025 unless altered by a Senate .