The Nigerian Senate on Thursday suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months over an allegation of sexual harassment against the Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio.

The suspension followed a report by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, submitted to the Committee of the Whole, citing several infractions on the Rules and Orders of the Senate.

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Imasuen Neda Bernards, representing Edo South Senatorial District, stated that the committee conducted an investigation on Wednesday, during which the female lawmaker was given the opportunity to present her side of the story.

Detailing the committee’s investigative hearing, he noted that testimonies were taken to establish the truth or otherwise of the allegation raised by the respondent, in line with the committee’s mandate.

Senator Neda recalled that on Wednesday last week, the respondent caused “chaos and a rowdy session” when she refused to take the seat assigned to her and engaged in a shouting match, in violation of the relevant provisions of the Senate’s Rules and Orders.

He added that the incident was testified to by Senator Raphael Adeyemi Adaramodu, who appeared before the panel on Wednesday to defend his petition against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The Committee Chairman emphasised that Senator Natasha was formally invited for investigation following the referral of a petition against her to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.

Contributing to the debate, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim Folorunsho, representing Ondo South Senatorial District, expressed concern over Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s conduct, stressing that the Senate as an institution must be protected at all costs.

Jimoh said: “This institution is not about an individual. We have rules to regulate our activities.

“If we breach our own rules, the executive will not come here to enforce them, and I must commend the committee for the succinct report to the Senate.”

The Chief Whip of the Senate, Mohammed Monguno, referencing constitutional provisions, asserted that “it is only in the animal kingdom that there are no rules and regulations,” insisting that the Senate will outlive everyone; therefore, its rules must be upheld.

Senator Bassey Aniekun Etim expressed disappointment over the incident, stating, “I watched with disappointment on February 20, 2025, the shouting, the screaming, so I agree with all the issues raised in the report.”

The Minority Leader of the Senate, Abba Moro, pleaded for leniency, proposing a mitigation measure, stating that his submission reflected the stance of all PDP Senators in the Senate.

Moro recommended a three-month suspension, arguing that it would be sufficient time for the embattled lawmaker to reflect on her actions. He further noted that Nigerians were watching and expected them to act as statesmen, warning that nothing should be done to bring the chamber into disrepute.

Following contributions from Senators across the dominant and minority parties, Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio, in his remarks, said: “The Senator we are talking about is the wife of my very close friend and brother.

“On the day of her marriage, I slept in their house in the year 2020, and when I was to leave, I missed my flight at Obajana Airstrip and I slept again at Dangote Cement,” he said.

The Senate President upheld the six-month suspension after a voice vote.

As part of the resolutions, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is required to surrender all National Assembly properties, her security details will be withdrawn, and the Sergeant-at-Arms will seal her office immediately, preventing her from accessing it.