Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele denies claims that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension was linked to her sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Bamidele insists she was suspended for violating Senate rules.
Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has dismissed claims that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent suspension was linked to her sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. In a statement on Saturday, Bamidele insisted that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for violating Senate rules, not for accusing Akpabio of misconduct.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, alleged that Akpabio made inappropriate advances toward her in December 2023, a claim the Senate President has denied. However, on Thursday, she was suspended for six months over allegations of misconduct and refusal to comply with Senate seating arrangements. The Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges stated that her suspension could be lifted earlier if she submits a written apology.
Bamidele emphasized that her suspension resulted from “flagrant disobedience” of Senate rules and a lack of parliamentary decorum. He also clarified that her petition against Akpabio was dismissed because it failed to follow procedural requirements. “No petition—regardless of its subject—can be considered if it does not follow due process,” Bamidele stated, accusing media reports of distorting facts.
The suspension has sparked debates over gender politics and accountability in Nigeria’s legislative system, with critics questioning whether the Senate acted impartially. Many Nigerians, particularly on social media, remain skeptical of the Senate’s justification, arguing that the decision may have been politically motivated. Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan has yet to respond to the Senate leader’s remarks, leaving uncertainties about her next course of action.
