Senate suspends Natasha over Akpabio scandal for six months

DDM News

The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months over her allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that the suspension follows Natasha’s claims that Akpabio sexually harassed her, sparking heated debates within and outside the Senate chamber.

The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions investigated the allegations and recommended her suspension on Thursday, March 6, 2025.

The committee ruled that Natasha’s salary would be stopped, and her security details would be withdrawn throughout the suspension period.

It also barred Natasha from coming near the National Assembly for the entire duration of her suspension.

The scandal started when Natasha accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, a claim that divided opinions across political and social circles.

Civil society groups and activists demanded an independent investigation into her allegations against the Senate President.

However, Akpabio’s allies dismissed Natasha’s accusations, calling them baseless and aimed at tarnishing his reputation.

Many senators viewed Natasha’s claims as an attempt to destabilize the Senate and challenge Akpabio’s authority.

The Senate Committee on Ethics found her guilty of breaching legislative ethics and recommended her immediate suspension.

The Senate upheld the committee’s decision after an intense debate during a plenary session.

Some lawmakers supported Natasha, arguing that her allegations were serious and required proper investigation before taking disciplinary action.

Others insisted that Natasha’s accusations damaged the Senate’s integrity and justified her suspension.

Despite opposition from a few senators, the majority voted to suspend Natasha for six months.

The decision has sparked widespread reactions, with many Nigerians criticizing the Senate for suppressing free speech.

Human rights activists believe the suspension discourages whistleblowers from exposing misconduct in government.

Natasha condemned the suspension, insisting that she stood by her claims against Akpabio.

She accused the Senate leadership of attempting to silence her through political intimidation.

She vowed to challenge her suspension in court and fight for justice.

Natasha, a strong advocate for women’s rights, sees her suspension as a move to suppress her activism.

Akpabio denied the allegations, describing them as false and politically motivated.

He maintained that Natasha’s claims were meant to discredit his leadership in the Senate.

His supporters argued that the scandal was an orchestrated attack against him.

Political analysts believe Natasha’s suspension could significantly impact Nigeria’s political landscape.

The controversy has deepened divisions within the Senate, raising concerns about fairness and transparency in legislative proceedings.

Legal experts warn that suspending a senator for making allegations sets a dangerous precedent.

They argue that such actions discourage future whistleblowers from exposing corruption and abuse of power.

Several human rights organizations have condemned the Senate’s decision and demanded Natasha’s reinstatement.

Activists insist that an independent panel should investigate her claims rather than punishing her.

Some groups have called on international human rights bodies to intervene in the matter.

They believe Natasha’s suspension reflects a culture of silencing women who speak against powerful men.

The Senate remains firm in its decision, despite mounting pressure from civil society groups and concerned citizens.

Many Nigerians are waiting to see if Natasha’s legal challenge will succeed.

If her suspension is overturned, it could set a new precedent for whistleblower protection in Nigeria.

If it stands, the case may discourage other lawmakers from speaking out against misconduct in government.

Natasha’s suspension has put the Nigerian Senate under intense public scrutiny.

The scandal continues to dominate political discussions across the country.

Observers believe the Senate’s credibility may suffer if it fails to handle the issue transparently.

The Natasha-Akpabio controversy has once again placed Nigerian politics in the global spotlight.

Many Nigerians are calling for a fair and independent review of the allegations and the Senate’s disciplinary actions.

The outcome of this case may shape the future of accountability within Nigeria’s legislative system.

For now, Natasha’s suspension remains a major talking point, with the public closely watching the next developments.

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