Natasha Akpoti: I’ll continue to act as senator — my suspension unjust and illegal

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, has described her six-month suspension from the senate as unjust. 

In a Facebook post on Thursday, Akpoti-Uduaghan said her colleagues’ actions do not diminish her legitimacy as a senator.

“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,” she wrote. 

“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.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for “gross misconduct” after engaging Senate President Godswill Akpabio in a heated debate over seating arrangement on February 20. 

The lawmaker would later accuse Akpabio of sexually harassing her. 

The senate committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition on procedural grounds.

Neda Imaseun, the committee chairman, had deemed the petition as “dead on arrival” because it was signed by the petitioner, which contravenes senate rules.

Despite a court order restraining the committee from proceeding with the seating arrangement disciplinary hearing, the senate went ahead with the suspension.