By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been suspended for six months after accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.
Akpoti-Uduaghan first made the allegations in an interview last week, sparking widespread debate.
The Senate Ethics Committee dismissed her petition, stating procedural issues, and recommended her suspension, claiming she had tarnished the reputation of the National Assembly. Some senators suggested reducing the suspension to three months, but the majority voted to uphold the six-month suspension.
Women’s rights activist Hadiza Ado condemned the suspension, saying, “Today is a sad day for Nigerian women fighting for emancipation. Out of 109 senators, only four are women, and one is now suspended.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan described her suspension as “an injustice that will not be sustained” and vowed to continue seeking justice.
The accusations have led to discussions in Nigeria, with many calling for a transparent investigation. Protests were held in the capital, Abuja, with some chanting “Akpabio must go.” During her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan will be barred from the National Assembly premises, and her office will be locked.
