My Suspension Is Illegal, I Remain A Legitimate Senator

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan rejects her suspension, calling it illegal and unjust.
She accused Senate President Akpabio of harassment, but her petition was dismissed.
Despite a court order, the Senate proceeded with her suspension, sparking debate.

Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has strongly condemned her suspension from the Senate, describing it as unjust and illegal.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended after a heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements on February 20. Following the incident, she accused Akpabio of s£xual harassment, but the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions dismissed her claims on procedural grounds.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Committee Chairman Neda Imaseun ruled that the petition was “dead on arrival” because it was personally signed by Akpoti-Uduaghan, which, according to Senate rules, rendered it invalid. Despite a court order barring the Senate from taking disciplinary action on the matter, the legislative body proceeded with her suspension.

Reacting to the development on Facebook, Akpoti-Uduaghan insisted that her suspension does not strip her of her legitimacy as a senator, nor will it deter her from fulfilling her responsibilities.

“Against the culture of silence, intimidation, and victim-shaming, my unjust suspension from the Nigerian Senate invalidates the principles of natural justice, fairness, and equity,” she wrote.

Reaffirming her commitment to her constituents, she added, “The illegal suspension does not withdraw my legitimacy as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and I will continue to use my duly elected position to serve my constituents and country to the best of my ability till 2027… and beyond.”

Her suspension has sparked widespread debate, with many questioning the fairness of the Senate’s decision and its implications for democracy and justice in Nigeria.