By Adeniyi Yusuf
No fewer than 19,221 supporters of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, have called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to step down for investigation following the senator’s suspension.
Senator Natasha was suspended based on a recommendation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, which proposed a six-month suspension over allegations of sexual harassment involving the Senate President.
As part of the suspension, her security details, aides, and salary have been revoked for the duration, and she has been instructed to cease performing any senatorial duties.
The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Neda Imasuen, presented the panel’s report at the plenary, stating that Natasha was guilty of all allegations against her and that she had failed to submit herself for review by the legislative committee regarding her conduct.
The Kogi Central Senator has announced her intention to challenge the six-month suspension in court, following a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements in the red chamber.
Meanwhile, Natasha’s supporters are demanding justice, calling for a thorough investigation into the matter.
A petition with 19,221 signatures was launched on Change.org, calling for justice.
The petition, initiated by the Purple Women Foundation, founded by Ireti Bakare-Yusuf, demands justice for Natasha and urges the Senate President to step down for an investigation under the title:
“Demand Justice for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan!”
The petition reads:
“We, the Purple Women Foundation, demand that Senate President Godswill Akpabio STEP DOWN immediately to allow for a fair and unbiased investigation into the sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan! We demand the immediate resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, a transparent and impartial investigation, and justice for survivors of sexual harassment. Let’s come together to demand justice and create a safe and respectful environment for all.”
In a recent development, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a contempt suit against Akpabio and others over her six-month suspension without pay from the Senate.
The Form 48 contempt charge, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja and reviewed on Thursday, names the Clerk of the National Assembly and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, Senator Neda Imasuen, as co-defendants.
On March 4, Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a ruling on an ex parte motion filed by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team, led by Michael Numa (SAN). The court ordered the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct to halt any investigation into the senator regarding alleged misconduct during the February 20, 2025 plenary session and the subsequent referral on February 25, 2025. The court ruled that the order would remain in effect until the hearing and determination of a motion for an interlocutory injunction.
The court also directed the defendants to explain why an interlocutory injunction should not be granted to prevent them from proceeding with the investigation. Additionally, the court declared that any actions taken while the suit was pending would be considered null, void, and of no effect.
However, just two days after the court’s ruling, the Senate proceeded with its decision to suspend Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months.
In response, Senate President Akpabio challenged the court’s authority to interfere in the internal affairs of the legislature, arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction over Senate matters.
In her contempt charge, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan argued that her suspension was a willful disobedience of the court’s order, emphasizing that an enrolled order of the interim injunction issued by Justice Egwuatu had been properly served on the defendants on March 5.
According to the Form 48 charge, the defendants were accused of “deliberately and contumaciously disregarding” the court’s directive and proceeding with actions in flagrant defiance of the court’s authority.
The court issued a notice of disobedience to the defendants, warning that their failure to comply with the order could result in contempt charges and possible imprisonment for Senate President Akpabio, Senator Imasuen, and the Clerk of the National Assembly.
Senate Passes Vote of Confidence in Akpabio
Despite the ongoing legal battle, the Senate on Thursday passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of Senate President Akpabio. The legislative body also urged Nigerians to remain calm and understand the recent developments within the Senate.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele raised a point of order, highlighting how the controversy had become a distraction from the Senate’s work.
Clarifying the situation, he said: “Until the day we announced that we were referring a petition brought by Senator Yemi Adaramodu regarding Senator Natasha’s flagrant disobedience to Senate rules, none of us were informed about any sexual harassment claims. Moreover, the matter referred to the Ethics and Privileges Committee had nothing to do with sexual harassment.”
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