The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, for six months has caused uproar in the Nigerian Senate. Human rights organizations, activists, and legal experts have strongly criticized the suspension, which resulted from a contentious argument between her and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
The dispute between both lawmakers escalated after Akpoti-Uduaghan rejected the relocation of her seat in the Senate chamber. She openly challenged Akpabio’s decision, asserting that she was not afraid of him. Following the tense exchange, she later appeared on a live television program, where she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment.
In response, Akpabio dismissed the allegation, suggesting that it was a mere reaction to her change of seat and committee assignment. He further claimed that previous accusations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan against others had all turned out to be false.
“It was only yesterday I realized that what we are talking about only happened when there was a change of seat. That was when all hell was let loose and all sorts of allegations came up. Only after the change of seat and change of committee, which my senators know happen from time to time,” Akpabio stated during an event to commemorate International Women’s Day.
He also questioned why the alleged harassment, which was said to have occurred on December 8, 2023, was not mentioned until after her Senate reassignment.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, rejected Akpabio’s defense, maintaining that a thorough investigation was necessary. Her lawyer, Victor Giwa, pointed out that Akpabio had faced a similar accusation of sexual harassment from a former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Joy Nunieh.
“If Akpabio makes such a statement, the question anybody will ask is why are there two allegations of sexual harassment against him? Joy Nunieh made the same allegation, and now it is Natasha. Akpabio should subject himself to investigation,” Giwa said.
He further alleged that Akpabio was using his position to victimize Akpoti-Uduaghan due to her refusal to comply with his advances. He also raised concerns that she had been prevented from participating in international engagements and was forced to personally fund her official trips, unlike other senators whose expenses were covered.
Meanwhile, human rights lawyer and Director of Women Empowerment and Legal Aid, Mrs. Funmi Falana (SAN), has condemned Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, describing it as a “disgraceful display of power.” She argued that the suspension was unconstitutional as it denied Akpoti-Uduaghan her right to fair hearing.
According to The PUNCH reports, Falana warned that if the Senate failed to reverse its decision, she would take legal action against senators who are lawyers by dragging them before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee.
She recalled that in similar past cases involving Senators Ovie Omo-Agege and Ali Ndume, the Federal High Court ruled such suspensions illegal. Given this precedent, she urged the Senate to lift Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension immediately to avoid further legal battles.
As tensions continue to rise, efforts at mediation are reportedly underway, with the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Imaan Suleiman, facilitating dialogue between both parties. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan remains resolute in her pursuit of justice, vowing not to back down.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
