Senate Denies Claims Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspended over Sexual Harassment Allegations

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The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has categorically denied allegations that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension was linked to claims of sexual harassment. In a strongly worded statement issued by Senate Majority Leader Senator Bamidele Opeyemi, the Senate clarified that the suspension was solely due to “persistent acts of misconduct” and violations of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended).

“Let it be unequivocally stated that Senator 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,” Senator Opeyemi declared.

The Senate’s decision followed a report by the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, which found Senator Uduaghan guilty of multiple violations, including refusing to sit in her assigned seat during plenary, speaking without recognition, and making disrespectful remarks against Senate leadership. The report, presented to the Committee of the Whole Senate, recommended her immediate suspension.

“These actions represented a direct challenge to the authority of the Senate and a violation of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended) that govern the business of the Senate and the conduct of its members,” the statement read.

The Senate also addressed media reports suggesting that the suspension was linked to allegations of sexual harassment. Senator Opeyemi dismissed these claims as “completely untrue, misleading, and a calculated attempt to distort the facts.”

He emphasized that Senator Uduaghan’s petition on the matter was discountenanced because it failed to meet procedural requirements.

“Contrary to the false claims being circulated, Senator Uduaghan was NOT suspended for making any sexual harassment allegations or for submitting a petition,” the statement clarified. “Her petition was rightfully discountenanced because it failed to meet the clear and established procedural requirements for submitting petitions to the Senate.”

The Senate condemned what it described as a “coordinated misinformation campaign” by certain media organizations, accusing them of politicizing a disciplinary action that was based on clear violations of Senate rules.

“This coordinated misinformation campaign is nothing more than an attempt to politicize a disciplinary action that was strictly based on clear violations of Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended). It is reckless, misleading, and a disservice to the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who deserve truthful and factual reporting,” Senator Opeyemi stated.

The Senate urged the public and media to disregard false reports and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding discipline, order, and parliamentary ethics.

“No senator—regardless of status, gender, or political affiliation—is above the rules of the Senate. Senator Uduaghan’s suspension was the direct consequence of her actions and nothing else,” the statement concluded.

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