The Senate Leader, Bamidele Opeyemi, has clarified that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension was due to gross misconduct, not because of her sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a statement released on Saturday, Opeyemi, who represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District, dismissed media reports suggesting that Akpoti-Uduaghan was penalized for filing a harassment petition against Akpabio.
He accused certain media organizations of spreading false narratives, emphasizing that the Senate’s decision was based solely on disciplinary concerns.
Meanwhile, The PUNCH confirmed that Akpoti-Uduaghan had formally submitted a petition accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment, a move that has stirred public debate and political tension within the upper legislative chamber.
The Senate’s handling of the case continues to attract widespread scrutiny as Nigerians demand transparency and accountability in the ongoing controversy.
The petition was submitted on the floor of the upper legislative chamber after the Senate resumed plenary.
Following the submission, Akpabio denied harassing Akpoti-Uduaghan or any other female senator and urged Nigerians to avoid premature conclusions.
The senators further suspended the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, stirring controversies among Nigerians.