Akpabio: Senate Defends Suspension As IPU Reviews Natasha’s Complaint

• Senator Natasha petitions UN body over alleged injustice by Senate.
• Senate denies claims, says she was suspended for misconduct.
• Ogbara demands investigation into allegations against Akpabio.

The complaint lodged by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Conference in New York on Tuesday has continued to spark reactions.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Kogi Central lawmaker had presented her case before the global body, seeking intervention over what she described as an injustice against her.

Following her submission, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) assured Senator Natasha that it would take necessary steps to address her concerns after hearing from the other side.

In response, the Nigerian Senate, through its leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, wrote to the IPU, refuting Natasha’s claims.

The letter was read at the conference by Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, who represented Nigeria at the event.

It stated: “Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behavior, not as a result of allegations of  harassment or assault. The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation and false narrative being circulated by certain media organizations regarding her six-month suspension.

“Let it be unequivocally stated that Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent act of misconduct and disregard for Senate Standing Orders.”

Despite the Senate’s position, Hon. Ogbara called for a thorough investigation into Natasha’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

She insisted that all proper procedures were followed before Natasha’s suspension.

Last week, the Senate suspended Natasha, a move that has ignited widespread debate.

The embattled senator had earlier submitted a petition accusing Akpabio of harassment, but lawmakers dismissed it before proceeding with her suspension. Even after she submitted another petition, her appeal was rejected.

Senator Natasha has vowed to continue fighting what she describes as an “injustice.” Meanwhile, Akpabio has denied the allegations, maintaining that he has never assaulted women.

Her dispute with the Senate President reportedly began on February 20, 2025, after her seat was changed during plenary, leading to a heated exchange that eventually escalated into the current crisis.

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