The Nigerian Senate has firmly rejected allegations claiming that the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was linked to accusations of sexual harassment. Instead, the Senate asserts that the disciplinary action was solely due to her “gross misconduct” and continual breaches of parliamentary conduct.
In a strongly worded press release from Senate Leader, Senator Bamidele Opeyemi, the upper chamber dismissed what it termed “deliberate misinformation and false narratives” being propagated by certain media outlets.
“It is important to make it clear that Senator Uduaghan was suspended solely for her ongoing acts of misconduct, her flagrant disregard for the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended), and her gross indiscipline—nothing more, nothing less,” Opeyemi stated.
The Senate clarified that the suspension followed a report from the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, which found Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of violating numerous sections of Senate Rules.
Her specific infractions included refusing to sit in her designated seat during plenary, speaking without recognition from the presiding officer, engaging in unruly behavior, making derogatory comments about Senate leadership, and ignoring summonses from the Ethics and Privileges Committee.
The Senate emphasized that these actions represented a “direct challenge to the Authority of the Senate,” warranting disciplinary measures to uphold order and integrity.
In regard to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition, which some media reports have associated with the suspension, the Senate stated that it was “rightfully dismissed” for failing to comply with procedural norms. The statement underscored that all petitions must adhere to due process, regardless of their content.
“ contrary to the false narratives circulating, Senator Uduaghan was NOT suspended for allegations of sexual harassment or for submitting a petition,” Senator Opeyemi reiterated.
The Senate condemned what it labeled “irresponsible and unethical reporting” by certain media entities that allegedly “manipulated the facts.” It accused these outlets of orchestrating a “coordinated misinformation campaign” with the intent to politicize a disciplinary matter.
“This coordinated misinformation initiative is merely an effort to politicize an action based solely on clear violations of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended),” the statement asserted.
The Senate called on foreign correspondents and reputable media organizations to “rectify these misrepresentations” and refrain from spreading falsehoods that could undermine the legislative process.
“The Senate is dedicated to maintaining discipline, order, and parliamentary ethics. No senator—irrespective of their status, gender, or political affiliation—is above the rules of the Senate,” Senator Opeyemi remarked.
