NIGERIA: Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspended For Misconduct, Not Harassment – Senate Clarifies

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

In response to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims at the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on Wednesday, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has clarified that her six-month suspension was due to gross misconduct, not her allegations of sexual harassment.

Bamidele conveyed this in a letter sent to the IPU on Thursday through Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, a member of the House of Representatives.

He dismissed what he called “deliberate misinformation and false narratives” suggesting that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was linked to her petition on sexual harassment.

According to Bamidele, the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges found that Akpoti-Uduaghan violated several sections of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended).

The infractions cited included: Refusing to sit in her designated seat during plenary, speaking without recognition from the presiding officer, engaging in disruptive and disorderly conduct, making offensive remarks about Senate leadership and ignoring summons from the Ethics and Privileges Committee.

Bamidele stated that these actions challenged the authority of the Senate and necessitated disciplinary measures to maintain order.

Regarding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition, which some reports linked to her suspension, he clarified that it was dismissed for not meeting procedural requirements. “All petitions must follow due process, regardless of the subject matter,” he emphasized.

Recall that at the first seating of the IPU, the Geneva, Switzerland-based United Nations (UN) Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) acknowledged Akpoti-Uduaghan’s concerns but stated that it would not take action until it had received a response from Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Nigerian Senate.

IPU President Tulia Ackson, in a widely circulated video, explained, “We have heard her concerns. While it is important to understand her side, we must also hear from the other party before taking any action.”

Meanwhile, the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed support for Akpabio over the senator’s suspension.

PANDEF Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, assured Akpabio, “Ignore the sponsored news circulating about you and your office. Rest assured, we stand firmly behind you.”

Igali made this statement during a dinner hosted by Akpabio in Abuja on Tuesday, following a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.