Natasha’s suspension due to disorderly conduct, not for sexual assault allegation – Senate Leader

Nigerians are weighing in on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, and Senate Leader Bamidele Opeyemi has chimed in to clarify the reason behind it.

According to Opeyemi, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was a result of gross misconduct, not a retaliation for the sexual harassment allegations she made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

This development comes amid widespread criticism of the Senate’s handling of the situation, with many arguing that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension undermines efforts to address sexual harassment and promote gender equality.

Opeyemi said this in a statement released to journalists on Saturday.

The Ekiti State-born lawmaker said clarification is necessary due to the spread of misinformation by certain media outlets.

Persecondnews had reported that the Senate, after reviewing the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions’ report on Natasha’s “disorderly conduct,” imposed a six-month suspension on her.

The committee recommended that her salary and security details should be withdrawn during the six-month suspension period.

It was also recommended that she should not be seen anywhere around the National Assembly during the period.

Reacting to the suspension fallout, Opeyemi clarified that the suspension was solely due to her repeated misconduct, blatant disregard for the Senate’s standing rules, and gross indiscipline.

The statement reads: “The Authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly rebuts the deliberate misinformation and false narratives being circulated by certain media organizations regarding the six-month suspension of Sen. Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan.

“Let it be unequivocally stated that Sen. 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.

“It has come to the attention of the Senate that some media reports are attempting to falsely suggest that Sen. Uduaghan’s suspension was due to allegations of sexual harassment.

“This is completely untrue, misleading, and a calculated attempt to distort the facts. If Sen. Uduaghan had strictly followed our guiding principles, the Senate would have treated her petition based on merit in line with its practice.

“But she never obeyed the established practices of the institution where she was serving.”

Opeyemi said her suspension was a decision made by the entire Senate, following the submission of a report by Sen. Neda Imaseun, chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.

He said: “The report found her guilty of violating Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate Rules and recommended her immediate suspension.

“The disciplinary action was a response to her repeated violations of legislative decorum, including: 1. Refusing to sit in her assigned seat during plenary on 25th February 2025, despite multiple pleas from the Minority Leader and other ranking Senators, an act of open defiance and disorderly conduct.

“2. Speaking without being recognised by the presiding officer in clear violation of parliamentary practices and procedures on 25th February 2025. 3. Engaging in unruly and disruptive behavior, obstructing the orderly conduct of Senate proceedings.

“4. Making abusive and disrespectful remarks against the leadership of the Senate. 5. Defying and refusing to comply with the summons of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges mandated to investigate cases of misconduct.

“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 disciplinary measure was, therefore, necessary and justified to restore order and uphold the integrity of the Senate as the country’s foremost democratic institution.”

Opeyemi urged the public and media to disregard false reports and instead seek the truth before spreading politically motivated narratives.

The disagreement between Sen. Akpabio and Sen. Natasha began on Thursday, February 20, after her seat was reassigned due to a reshuffle caused by opposition members defecting to the majority wing.

She declined to move to her newly assigned seat, sparking a heated debate.

While rejecting the arrangement, the Kogi senator raised her voice, accusing the leadership of silencing her.

She said: “I do not care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege.”