Natasha's suspension not connected to her sexual harassment claim — Senate tells UN

Eric Patrick 

The Senate has issued a clarification stating that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's six-month suspension was due to gross misconduct, and not connected to her allegations of sexual harassment.

The Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Kafilat Ogbara, read a statement on behalf of Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.

In the statement, it was emphasised that, contrary to the “deliberate misinformation and false narratives” being spread in the media, Akpoti-Uduaghan's suspension was a result of violations of standing rules.

The video of Ogbara, reading the statement had since gone viral on X and was seen by First News on Thursday.

Ogbara noted that the National Assembly has assigned her the responsibility of crafting a response to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s address delivered during the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.

In the statement, Ogbara further emphasised that the suspension was a result of the findings from the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, which determined that the female Kogi senator, Natasha had breached several provisions of the Senate Rules.

Ogbara said: "In response to the call by the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Right Honorable Tulia Ackson to hear both sides of the matter, I have received a letter from the Nigerian Senate in my capacity as Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development of our parliament in Nigeria and the parliamentarian representing Nigeria at this conference.

"Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behaviour and not as a result of allegations of sexual harassment or assault.

"The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly rebuke the deliberate misinformation and false narratives being circulated by certain media organisations regarding the six months suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

"Let it be unequivocally stated that Senator 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—nothing more, nothing less.

"If Senator Uduaghan had strictly followed our guiding principles, the Senate would have treated her petition based on merit in line with its practice. But she never obeyed the established practices of the institution where she was serving.

"Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was a decision of the Committee of the Whole Senate, following the submission of a report by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges.

“Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was a direct consequence of her actions and nothing else."

However, the suspended Senator, Natasha, on Wednesday took to her Facebook page to appreciate her supporters for standing by her in the pursuit of justice and a fair hearing regarding her sexual harassment petition to the Senate. 

Natasha's statement read, "I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the incredible Nigerian women and the supportive men ALL OVER the country who stand by me in my pursuit for justice and fair hearing regarding my sexual harassment petition to the Senate. 

"Your unwavering support, courage, and solidarity have been truly inspiring and I am humbled and grateful to all. 

"I continue to count on your support to insist that the Senate respects the rule of law and respects my right to a fair hearing by reversing my illegal suspension and investigating my Petition at the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. 

"Together, we have taken a stand against abuse of power, especially in a public institution like the Nigerian Senate, for the preservation of our democracy. 

"Thank you for believing in this cause and standing strong with me. God bless us all."