My illegal suspension doesn't withdraw my legitimacy as a Senator — Natasha

Eric Patrick 

Suspended Nigerian lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has said that her suspension is against the culture of silence, intimidat, ion and victim-shaming.

She further stated that, her unjust suspension from the Nigerian Senate invalidates the principles of natural justice, fairness and equity.

This was contained in a statement signed by her, and shared on her Facebook page on Thursday.

According to Natasha, the illegal suspension does not withdraw her legitimacy as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. "I will continue to use my duly elected position to serve my constituents and country to the best of my ability till 2027 and beyond," she said.

Natasha's statement read, "Against the culture of silence, intimidation and victim-shaming; my unjust suspension from the Nigerian Senate invalidates the principles of natural justice, fairness and equity. 

"The illegal suspension does not withdraw my legitimacy as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and I will continue to use my duly elected position to serve my constituents and country to the best of my ability till 2027 … and beyond. Proudly Kogi Central, Proudly Nigerian 🇳🇬.'

Meanwhile, the female lawmaker had previously engaged in a heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seat allocation.

Akpoti-Uduaghan also accused Akpabio of publicly humiliating her and obstructing her motions and bills on the Senate floor.

It was earlier reported that Natasha had accused and filed an N100 billion court case against Akpabio over sexual harassment and defamation.

After weeks of allegations, Natasha was on Thursday, suspended for 6 months.

The suspension stems from allegations of sexual harassment that Akpoti-Uduaghan levelled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

She accused Akpabio of obstructing her legislative motions, particularly those concerning the Ajaokuta Steel Company, and claimed he referred to her as a “nightclub girl” during a Senate session—a remark for which he later apologised.

Presenting the committee’s report during Thursday’s plenary, Chairman Senator Neda Imasuen stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan was found guilty of all allegations due to her non-compliance with the committee’s proceedings.

The panel also recommended that her salary and security details be withdrawn during the suspension period.

In addition to the suspension, the committee advised that Akpoti-Uduaghan issue a formal apology to the Senate for actions deemed disrespectful to the institution.