The Nigerian Senate has defended its decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stating that her suspension was not related to allegations of sexual harassment but due to gross misconduct.
According to the Senate, Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for violating Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate rules, which include refusing to sit in her assigned seat during plenary, engaging in unruly and disruptive behavior, and making abusive and disrespectful remarks against the leadership of the Senate.
The Senate’s response was presented by the Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Kafilat Ogbara, who emphasized that the suspension was necessary to restore order and uphold the integrity of the legislative body.
Ogbara also called for a thorough and unbiased investigation into the allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, emphasizing the importance of fairness and transparency in the process.
The dispute between Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate has attracted international attention, with the senator presenting her case at a United Nations forum and calling for international intervention to hold the Nigerian Senate accountable.
