The Nigerian Senate has clarified that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Udauaghan’s six-month suspension was due to gross misconduct, not allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Senate Leader Bamidele Opeyemi stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension resulted from her persistent misconduct, disregard for Senate rules, and indiscipline. “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,” Opeyemi emphasized.
Senator Opeyemi noted that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions, including refusing to sit in her assigned seat, speaking without being recognized, and engaging in unruly behaviour, represented a direct challenge to the Senate’s authority. “These actions represented a direct challenge to the Senate’s authority and a violation of Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended), which govern the Senate’s business and the conduct of its members.”
The Senate Leader urged the public and the media to disregard any false reports suggesting otherwise and to always seek the truth before spreading politically motivated narratives. “We urge the public and the media to disregard any false reports suggesting otherwise and to always seek the truth before spreading politically motivated narratives,” Opeyemi stated.
The clarification comes amid controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and her allegations against Akpabio. Akpabio had denied the allegations, urging Nigerians to avoid premature conclusions.
Add Comment