Senator Natasha was suspended for gross misconduct, not sex harrasement allegation, Senate tells  IPU.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s protest at the United Nations Inter-parliamentary Conference in New York on Tuesday has sparked emotions.

The Kogi Lawmaker has brought her case to a global institution in order to overturn what she claims is an injustice against her.

After hearing her complaint, the IPU informed Senator Natasha that it will take the appropriate procedures to address the problems she presented to the union after hearing the opposing viewpoint.

Senator Natasha’s protest to the IPU, however, has received a response from the Nigerian Senate via a letter from Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.

The letter was delivered by Honourable Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, who is attending the ceremony as an official representative of Nigeria.

The Senate letter stated in part that Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for egregious misconduct and disorderly behaviour, not for sexual harassment or assault.

Senator Natsaha-Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sixth-month suspension was due to her persistent misconduct and disregard for Senate Standing Orders, as stated by the Senate.

However, Honourable Ogbara asked for a thorough probe into Senator Natasha’s allegations against Senator President Godswill Akpabio.

She stated that processes and appropriate actions under Senate rules were followed prior to Senator Natasha’s suspension.
Last Monday, the Senate suspended the senator, sparking controversy across the country.

She initially filed a petition with the Senate accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment. Despite submitting another appeal, lawmakers rejected it before suspending her.

Senator Natasha promised to continue the fight against “injustice”. However, following his suspension, Akpabio refuted the allegations and insisted that he had never assaulted a woman.

Her disagreement with the Senate president began on February 20, 2025, when her seat was altered during plenary.

This isn’t the first time both people have had troubles. In July 2024, Akpabio reprimanded her for wrongdoing and reminded her that the Senate is not a place for open discussion. The Akwa Ibom congressman then apologised to her for the statement.