Following her suspension from the Senate last week, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, PDP, Kogi Central has left the shores of Nigeria and Africa continent
to far away Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting at the United Nations in New York where she has tabled her case with the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill.
In a video that has gone viral, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan who is presently at the Women in Parliament Session held during the IPU meeting has called for justice and intervention from global democratic institutions, alleging that her suspension from the Nigerian Senate was unlawful.
Natasha who told the participants that she was being victimized for standing up against injustice, however expressed concerns over her security, claiming that there are indications she could be held against her will in New York for speaking out on the matter at the global event.
The embattled Senator who is seeking international support from the UN and the IPU, has described her predicament as political oppression.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan said, “I come with a heavy heart from Nigeria. But first, I’d like to apologise to honourable… I’m not here to bring shame to our country. I’m here to seek help for the women of Nigeria.
“Five days ago, on the 6th of March, 2025, I was suspended as a senator illegally because I submitted a petition of sexual harassment against the President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio. I thought that by submitting the petition, he would recuse himself and both of us would submit ourselves to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petition for a fair and transparent investigation, but unfortunately, I was silenced and I was suspended.
“I was suspended for six months amongst many other stringent conditions such as taking away my security, taking away all the official vehicles and other items that were handed over to me as a senator. My salaries will be cut off. I must not appear anywhere near the National Assembly, and for six months, I’m not to introduce or present myself as a senator locally in Nigeria or internationally.
“That means I’m here illegally, but I have no other place to go but to come here and speak to you women because this is a bigger picture. It depicts the crisis of women in political representation. My suspension is not just about me. It’s about the systemic exclusion of women from political leadership in Nigeria. This is a clear case of political victimisation, punishment for speaking out against impunity, corruption, and gender-based violence.
“The Senate’s actions are an assault on democracy. I was elected by my constituents to represent them, yet a few powerful men have unilaterally decided to silence their voices by suspending me for six months. My call for an open and transparent investigation into harassment allegations has been met with hostility instead of accountability.
“If a female senator can be treated this way in the full view of the world, imagine what ordinary Nigerian women go through every day in workplaces, universities.”
Recall that the Senate had on Thursday last week suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, asking her not to participate in all the activities of the 10th over the rowdy session she created when she protested against the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Akpabio.
The Senate also resolved that if Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan writes to apologise during the period, he shall be recalled to resume his legislative activities, just as she was also banned from the premises of the National Assembly.
It was also resolved that her office be locked up for the entire period of her suspension and all her salaries and allowances be suspended.
The report of the Committee in its recommendation six was that the salaries of all her legislative aides be stopped, but at this point, former Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, APÇ, Abia North came up with a motion to amend the recommendation, seconded by Senator Ned Nwoko, APC, Delta North and it was carried that their salaries should be paid since they need not commit any offence.
It was resolved that all her security personnel be removed from her.
Resolutions of the Senate were sequel to the presentation and consideration of the report of the Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions Senator Neda Imasuen, LP, Edo South.
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