Experience the Best of Echeta!

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s complaint at the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) conference in New York continues to generate widespread reactions.

The Kogi lawmaker took her case to the global body, seeking intervention over what she described as an injustice against her. After hearing her complaint, the IPU stated that it would take appropriate steps to address her concerns after reviewing both sides of the matter.

In response, the Nigerian Senate issued a formal letter to the IPU, signed by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele. The letter was read at the conference by Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, who attended the event as Nigeria’s official representative.

The Senate’s letter stated:

"Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behavior, not due to allegations of sexual harassment or assault. The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation and false narratives being spread by certain media organizations regarding her six-month suspension. Let it be unequivocally stated that her suspension was solely due to persistent acts of misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders."

Despite this, Honorable Ogbara called for a thorough investigation into Senator Natasha’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She emphasized that the proper procedures and actions under Senate rules were followed before the suspension was enforced.

The controversy began when the Senate suspended Senator Natasha last week, a decision that has sparked national debate. She had initially submitted a petition to the Senate, accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment, but the lawmakers dismissed it. Even after submitting a second petition, she was ultimately suspended.

Following her suspension, Senator Natasha vowed to continue her fight against what she called "injustice." Meanwhile, Akpabio has denied all allegations, insisting that he has never engaged in any form of assault against women.

Their altercation traces back to February 20, 2025, when Natasha’s seat was reassigned during a plenary session, leading to a confrontation with the Senate President. However, tensions between the two date further back to July 2024, when Akpabio, while addressing her over an alleged misconduct, remarked that the Senate was “not a nightclub where anyone can speak anyhow.” He later apologized for the comment.

The situation remains a focal point of political discourse in Nigeria as reactions continue to pour in.