Yesterday, the Senate clarified that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months due to gross misconduct and not her claims of sexual harassment.
A statement by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said contrary to the “deliberate misinformation and false narratives” circulating in the media, Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for violation of standing rules.
“Let it be unequivocally stated that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent acts of misconduct, blatant disregard for the provisions of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended) and gross indiscipline—nothing more, nothing less,” he said.
Bamidele stressed that the suspension followed the report of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, which found the Kogi senator guilty of violating multiple sections of the Senate Rules.
The specific infractions listed included: refusal to occupy her assigned seat during plenary, speaking without being recognized by the presiding officer, engaging in unruly and disruptive behavior, making abusive remarks against Senate leadership and defying summons from the Ethics and Privileges Committee.
He emphasised that these actions constituted a “direct challenge to the Authority of the Senate”
and necessitated disciplinary action to maintain order and integrity.
On Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition, which some media reports linked to the suspension, Bamidele explained that it was “rightfully discountenanced” due to its failure to adhere to established procedural requirements.
He said all petitions must follow due process, regardless of the subject matter.
Bamidele added: “Contrary to the false claims being circulated, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was not suspended for making any sexual harassment or for submitting a petition.”
