The Nigerian Senate has responded to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s complaint to the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Conference in New York.

On March 11, Natasha asked the parliament for help, claiming she was suspended for six months after accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.

However, the Senate has denied this claim. In a letter signed by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, they stated that Natasha was suspended for gross misconduct, not because of her allegations against Akpabio. The letter was read by Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, a Nigerian representative at the event.

Despite this, Ogbara called for a proper investigation into Natasha’s allegations. She also confirmed that the Senate followed due process before suspending Natasha.

The senator’s suspension has sparked debates across Nigeria. Before her suspension, Natasha had submitted a petition accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment, but the Senate dismissed it. Even after she sent another petition, she was still suspended.

The Senate letter read in part

“Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behaviour and not as a result of allegation of sexu@l harassment or ass@ult. The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation and false narrative being circulated by certain media organisations regarding the sixth months suspension of Senator Natsaha-Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Let it be unequivocally stated that Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent act of misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders.”theletter read

Senator Natasha has vowed to keep fighting against “injustice.” Meanwhile, Akpabio has denied the allegations, saying he has never assaulted women.

The conflict between Natasha and Akpabio started on February 20, 2025, after her seat was changed during a plenary session.