Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has fired back at the Senate over her six-month suspension, declaring it illegal and a violation of natural justice, fairness, and equity.
Despite the Senate’s directive barring her from publicly identifying as a senator during the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan has boldly rejected the order insisting she remains a legitimate representative of her constituents and will continue serving them.
Taking to Facebook on Thursday she vowed to resist what she described as an attempt to silence, intimidate, and victim-shame her.
Against the culture of silence, intimidation, and victim-shaming, my unjust suspension from the Nigerian Senate invalidates the principles of natural justice, fairness, and equity.
The illegal suspension does not withdraw my legitimacy as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and I will continue to use my duly elected position to serve my constituents and country to the best of my ability till 2027 … and beyond.
The Senate imposed the suspension without pay after she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment—an allegation he has vehemently denied. The decision has sparked widespread controversy with critics arguing it is an attempt to punish a female lawmaker for speaking out.
With Akpoti-Uduaghan refusing to back down the suspension has now escalated into a high-stakes political showdown raising serious questions about accountability, gender dynamics, and free speech within Nigeria’s legislative body.
