Nigerian lawmakers have suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months after she submitted a petition alleging sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The accusations were first made in an interview last Friday. The Senate ethics committee dismissed her petition on procedural grounds and recommended suspension, citing that she had brought ridicule to the National Assembly.
Despite some senators advocating for a reduced three-month suspension, the majority upheld the ethics committee’s six-month recommendation. Women’s rights activist Hadiza Ado described the decision as a “sad day for Nigerian women.” Uduaghan condemned her suspension as “an injustice that will not be sustained” and vowed to continue her pursuit of justice.
The allegations have sparked widespread debate across Nigeria, with calls for a transparent investigation. On Wednesday, rival protest groups gathered in Abuja—one supporting Akpabio and the other demanding his resignation. Ado, founder of the Women and Children Initiative, expressed disappointment, emphasizing the already low representation of women in the Senate, where only four out of 109 senators are women.
Public outrage has also surged on social media, with many condemning the suspension as oppressive. During her suspension, Uduaghan will be barred from the National Assembly premises, and her office will remain locked.
Source: Swifteradio.com
