Shockwaves as Senate suspends Natasha! Nigerians react with fury

By Adeniyi Yusuf

The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has sparked outrage across Nigeria, following allegations of sexual harassment that have ignited widespread debate and division.

In a report gathered by the New Daily Prime, the legal counsel for the Kogi lawmaker, Victor Giwa, dismissed the Senate’s resolution as a violation of a court order. It was also indicated that the lawmaker would challenge the suspension in court.

This as the Senate imposed a six-month suspension without pay on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing a breach of its Standing Orders following her sexual harassment allegations, which were denied by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

In an interview with Arise Television on February 28, the Kogi senator, who had already made headlines the previous week due to a public altercation with the Senate President over seating arrangements, accused Akpabio of making sexual advances towards her.

Her complaint was then referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for a disciplinary review. The committee later recommended her suspension after reviewing the matter.

The Senate’s resolution came after considering and adopting the report from the committee during Thursday’s plenary session. Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), Chairman of the Committee, presented the report to the floor of the Senate. The report, which was signed by all 14 members of the committee, included seven recommendations against the Kogi Central senator.

The committee found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of all allegations, noting that she failed to attend the investigative hearing to defend herself. One of the recommendations suggested that her six-month suspension could be reduced if she issued a formal apology to the Senate President for her outburst during the previous week’s plenary.

As part of her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s salary and security details will be revoked, and her office will be locked. However, her legislative aides will continue to receive their pay during the suspension period.

The Senate, however, rejected the committee’s recommendation for an apology, stating that any such gesture would only be considered at the end of the six-month suspension.

In an investigation by the New Daily Prime, some Nigerians have lent their voices on the issue.

Reacting to the matter, A notable member of Labour Party, Ife Salako, said Akpabio withdrew Natasha’s security details sighting the case of a car that was handed over to him after he became Senate President.

He said, “Car to security details? Senator Lawan was even trying to let him know Natasha is only suspended and that does not mean she’s stopped being a Senator but of course Natasha may be deprived of security detail while Akpabio continues to EAT!”

A Nigerian on X, @IruohaWinner, said, “My question is, why is Akpabio not suing Natasha for false accusations, if what Natasha is saying, is a lie. The number 3rd citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is being accused of sexual harassment but he’s not suing the person. It’s very confusing to me.”

Another Nigerian, Ben Osayi EKEKHOR (@BenEkekhor), noted, “It is a reflection of the character and emptiness of the kind of people we have in our senate. Lazy people who do not know what to do to move Nigeria forward.”

Responding, Chika (@chykablessed), stated she’s such a force, and that’s why they want to really shut her down. Very, very unfortunate.

Also, Bim’s (@Bims73362652), was quoted saying, “She has been fighting for long. I just nothing happened to her. The country is a joke, both rulers and followers.”

Meanwhile, knocking the senators, (@az_1mula), expressed dissatisfaction saying, “When problem arises it’s our issue… when the benefits come it’s their issue #RevolutionNow.”

Another Nigerian who condemned the senators’ luxurious life, “Bobby ‘Hakimi’ Axelrod (@donpascal22), noted, “Mar 6 It is not my issue, when she was enjoying plush committee chairmanships, expensive trips abroad with Akpabio, courtesy of her cozy relationship with the SP, it was not made my issue, she should provide evidence to back up her claims.”

Also, Adefemi Samuel Oreyomi (@_seamas), stated, “Stop looking for unnecessary relevance in a matter that is done and dusted. The Nigerian Senate is an Institution that as established law or practices just like every other institution. Even the Judiciary knows how to punish one of it own when they miss behave.”

Natasha fights back

Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan criticised her suspension from the Senate, stating that it violated the principles of natural justice, fairness, and equity.

She argued that the suspension does not diminish her legitimacy as a senator.

In a statement on her Facebook page on Thursday, Akpoti-Uduaghan insisted she would continue to serve her constituents under the title of “Senator.”

She wrote, “Against the culture of silence, intimidation and victim-shaming; my unjust suspension from the Nigerian Senate invalidates the principles of natural justice, fairness and equity.

“The illegal suspension does not withdraw my legitimacy as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and I will continue to use my duly elected position to serve my constituents and country to the best of my ability till 2027 … and beyond.”

APC boss backs Akpabio

The South-South Zonal Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Blessing Agbomhere, has voiced concerns over the insults directed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio on social media.

In a statement issued to journalists in Abuja on Friday, Agbomhere came to the defense of the former minister, calling the backlash unnecessary.

The APC chieftain described the negative sentiments towards Akpabio as part of the challenges that any great leader must face while serving the people.

He said, “Vilifying the third highest-ranking citizen of Nigeria based on unsubstantiated allegations is unfair and reflects a society where political opponents routinely use a pull-him-down strategy against leaders in office.

“As we mark International Women’s Day, I urge discerning Nigerians to recognise that the allegations against Akpabio have nothing to do with seeking justice or inclusion for women, as some claim, but are purely a calculated plot to remove him from office through the back door.

“We warn fifth columnists bent on bringing down the Senate President to remember that what goes around comes around. What leaders need at this critical juncture in Nigeria’s history is support, not attacks and betrayal, especially from once-trusted friends and allies.”