Senate Leader Bamidele Opeyemi has clarified that the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was due to gross misconduct and violations of Senate rules, not because of her sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Opeyemi made this known in a statement released on Saturday, condemning what he described as false narratives being spread by some media outlets.
Background of the Controversy
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, had formally submitted a petition alleging sexual harassment by Akpabio on the Senate floor. However, after the petition was presented, the Senate suspended her, sparking public backlash.
Akpabio denied the allegations and urged Nigerians to avoid premature conclusions.
Senate’s Justification for Suspension
In response to the controversy, Opeyemi stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was based on her repeated violations of Senate rules.
According to him, a report by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, led by Senator Neda Imaseun, found her guilty of violating Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate Standing Orders 2023. The committee recommended her immediate suspension.
Opeyemi outlined several reasons for the disciplinary action, including:
- Refusing to sit in her assigned seat during plenary on February 25, 2025, despite multiple warnings.
- Speaking without recognition from the presiding officer.
- Engaging in unruly and disruptive behavior that obstructed Senate proceedings.
- Making abusive and disrespectful remarks against Senate leadership.
- Defying and ignoring summons from the Senate Committee on Ethics.
Senate Leader Calls for Public Awareness
Opeyemi insisted that the suspension was necessary to restore order in the Senate and had nothing to do with Akpoti-Uduaghan’s harassment petition. He urged Nigerians and the media to dismiss politically motivated narratives and seek the truth.