The Nigerian Senate suspended Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months after her sexual assault allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio were rejected by the ethics committee due to procedural violations. Reactions from senators and critics indicate a deeper issue regarding gender representation and handling allegations within Nigeria’s parliament.
The Nigerian Senate has decided to suspend Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, following her allegations of sexual assault against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. This suspension prevents her from accessing her office and receiving any allowances or security for six months. Despite the allegations made last week, the Senate’s ethics committee has rejected her claims, citing violations of procedural rules.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of only four female senators in a chamber of 109, expressed her outrage at the decision, stating, “This injustice will not be sustained,” after being removed from the chamber. Akpabio has firmly denied the allegations against him.
The representation of women in Nigeria’s parliament has notably declined since the restoration of democratic rule in 1999, according to the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre. Although sexual assault cases are rare in the National Assembly, a similar incident occurred in 2016 involving Sen. Dino Melaye, who faced accusations from Sen. Remi Tinubu but was not prosecuted.
Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele suggested that Akpoti-Uduaghan take her suspension as an opportunity to better understand the Senate rules. He questioned her motives by asking, “What will she gain if she tries to pull the senate president down?”
Critics, including Chioma Agwuegbo from TechHerNG, have expressed disapproval of the ethics committee’s process, alleging bias against Akpoti-Uduaghan. Agwuegbo remarked that “the ethics committee to which her petition was referred has shown that it is not fit for purpose.” In response to her suspension and the ongoing situation, Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a lawsuit against the Senate President, seeking damages of N100 billion ($64,000).
The suspension of Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan highlights serious concerns regarding gender representation and the handling of sexual assault allegations within Nigeria’s Senate. The response from the ethics committee and criticism from various organizations reflect ongoing challenges faced by female politicians in the country. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawsuit against the Senate President further complicates an already contentious situation, stressing the need for better governance and accountability within political institutions.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
