Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The Nigerian Senate has issued a statement to counter the “deliberate misinformation and false narratives” circulating in the media regarding the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
According to the Senate, Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended solely for her “persistent acts of misconduct, blatant disregard for the provisions of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended), and gross indiscipline”.
The Senate’s statement emphasized that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was not related to allegations of sexual harassment or assault, as some media reports had suggested.
“It has come to the attention of the Senate that some media reports are attempting to falsely suggest that Senator Uduaghan’s suspension was due to allegations of sexual harassment. This is completely untrue, misleading, and a calculated attempt to distort the facts,” the statement read.
The Senate’s decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan was based on a report by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, which found her guilty of violating Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate Rules.
The report recommended her immediate suspension, which was subsequently approved by the Committee of the Whole Senate.
The Senate listed several instances of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s misconduct, including refusing to sit in her assigned seat during plenary, speaking without being recognized by the presiding officer, and making abusive and disrespectful remarks against the leadership of the Senate.
These actions, the Senate stated, represented a direct challenge to its authority and a violation of the Senate Standing Orders.
The Senate condemned the “irresponsible and unethical reporting” by some media organizations, which it said was an attempt to politicize a disciplinary action.
“We, therefore, urge all foreign correspondents and responsible media houses to correct these misrepresentations and avoid propagating falsehoods that undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative process,” the statement concluded.
In a final note, the Senate clarified that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition was not considered because it failed to meet the established procedural requirements for submitting petitions to the Senate.
“The rules of the Senate apply to all members without exception, and no petition—regardless of its subject—can be considered if it does not follow due process,” the statement read.
-BY Issah Olegor
