Nwoko: Natasha Akpoti’s suspension not an attack on women — senate must resist emotional blackmail

Ned Nwoko, the senator representing Delta north, has asked the senate to remain resolute over the suspension of Natasha Akpti-Uduaghan, the Kogi central lawmaker.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had recently accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexually harassing her.

The allegation followed her seating arrangement altercation with Akpabio at the red chamber.

She was subsequently suspended from the senate for “gross misconduct” over the debacle.

In a statement on Sunday, Nwoko said the senate must not succumb to social media outrage fuelled by half-truths, noting that democracy “thrives when its institutions are strong, disciplined and governed by rules”.

The lawmaker warned that democratic institutions cannot survive “when they are manipulated to serve personal or partisan interests”.

“We must ensure that the principles of accountability, order, and respect remain the guiding forces of our legislative process,” the statement reads.

“This is not about silencing anyone; it is about ensuring that the senate remains a place of reasoned debate, not theatrical disruptions.”

Nwoko insisted that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment petition is not before the senate.

He argued that the Kogi central senator was suspended due to her “conduct on the floor of the red chamber — which violated the decorum expected of lawmakers”.

Nwoko noted that the senate is not against women, adding that all senators irrespective of their gender, must conduct themselves with respect in the upper legislative chamber.

“Some voices are trying to frame this as an attack on women in politics; that is a manipulation of the truth,” he added.

“Nigeria has many strong female leaders who have made their mark through discipline, strategic engagement, and respect for institutional processes. The senate is not and has never been against women.

“I personally reached out to her during this process. I sent her messages because, as a lawyer, I know that before any judgment is passed, a person must be given an opportunity to state their case.

“I asked her — are you prepared to apologise so that I can speak on your behalf? Ask that you be given the opportunity to apologise. She responded that she did no wrong.

“That didn’t stop me. I told her directly — you are wrong. I watched the video. I saw what happened.

“The report before us was not about any sexual harassment claim—it was strictly about her disorderly conduct.”

The lawmaker also expressed disappointment over the role played by Emmanuel Uduaghan, Akpoti’s husband, in the situation, adding that he could have “managed the issue in a way that does not cause further division”.