SENATE: Nigerian Female Senator Suspended After Accusing Senate President Akpabio of Sexual Harassment

 In a contentious move, the Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, following her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The suspension, effective from March 6, 2025, also includes the withdrawal of her allowances and security details. 

The Senate's Ethics and Public Petitions Committee recommended the suspension, citing violations of procedural rules in Akpoti-Uduaghan's conduct. The committee's report highlighted an incident on February 20, 2025, where Akpoti-Uduaghan engaged in a heated dispute over her seating arrangement, leading to a disruption of Senate proceedings. 

During the plenary session on Thursday, attempts by Akpoti-Uduaghan to address the chamber were thwarted, and she was escorted out by security personnel. Expressing her discontent, she stated, "This injustice will not be sustained." 

Senate President Akpabio has denied the allegations of sexual harassment. In response to the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan has initiated legal action against Akpabio, seeking damages amounting to N100 billion (approximately $64 Million). 

Critics have raised concerns about the impartiality of the Ethics Committee's proceedings. Chioma Agwuegbo, executive director of TechHerNG, an organization advocating for women's rights, criticized the committee's handling of the case, alleging bias. She remarked, "The ethics committee to which her petition was referred has shown that it is not fit for purpose." 

This incident underscores the challenges faced by female legislators in Nigeria, where women constitute a small fraction of the parliamentary representation. The percentage of women in parliament has dropped to an ... . 

The Senate has stipulated that for any reconsideration of the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan must submit a written apology. Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele suggested that she use the suspension period to "learn the rules of ... Senate," emphasizing the importance of adhering to institutional protocols. 

This development has sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of women in Nigerian politics and the mechanisms in place to address allegations of misconduct within governmental institutions.