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From Abuja.
The Nigerian Senate has suspended one of its members, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, for a period of six months. This suspension follows recommendations by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions and comes amid an ongoing sexual harassment controversy involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who recently re-submitted a petition accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment, was seen walking out of the chamber after the suspension was announced, declaring, “This injustice cannot be sustained.”
The petition, originally submitted by the Senator, was dismissed earlier in the week due to procedural rules that prohibit Senators from signing their own petitions. On Thursday, the revised petition was signed by constituents, allowing it to be resubmitted for consideration.
In a speech delivered on the Senate floor earlier this week, Senate President Akpabio denied the harassment allegations, asserting that he had never engaged in any form of sexual harassment. He further emphasized his respect for women, citing his upbringing and his past recognitions for gender inclusivity, including the title of “Most Gender-Friendly Governor” during his tenure as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
“I have four daughters, and I hold the highest regard for women. At no point have I ever harassed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan or any other woman,” Akpabio stated. He also urged the public and media to await the court’s decision and refrain from drawing conclusions based on allegations alone.
However, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions moved forward with the suspension recommendation for Akpoti-Uduaghan. The suspension, which takes effect immediately, includes a prohibition on her presence at the National Assembly, the locking of her office, and the handing over of all Senate properties in her possession. Her legislative aides will continue to receive salaries, but she will be barred from representing herself as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria during this period.
Senator Neda Imaseun, Chairman of the Ethics Committee, presented the motion, detailing the violations of Senate standing rules by Akpoti-Uduaghan. The committee also recommended that, for her suspension to be lifted or reduced, she must issue a written apology to the Senate.
The suspension, which is set to last six months, has intensified the political and legal battle surrounding the harassment allegations. It remains unclear whether the Senate Committee on Ethics and Public Petitions will begin hearings on the petition filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituents, and the matter is expected to continue in the courts.
Source: Everyday.ng
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
