The Nigerian Senate has clarified that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months due to gross misconduct, not because of her claims of sexual harassment.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele issued a statement yesterday, dismissing what he described as “deliberate misinformation and false narratives” circulating in the media. He emphasized that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was based on violations of Senate Standing Rules.

“Let it be unequivocally stated that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent acts of misconduct, blatant disregard for the provisions of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended), and gross indiscipline—nothing more, nothing less,” Bamidele stated.

According to the Senate Leader, the suspension followed the findings of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, which determined that the Kogi senator had committed multiple infractions, including refusing to occupy her assigned seat during plenary, speaking without recognition from the presiding officer, engaging in disruptive behavior, making abusive remarks against Senate leadership, and defying summons from the Ethics and Privileges Committee.

Bamidele further explained that these actions were seen as a direct challenge to the authority of the Senate, warranting disciplinary measures to uphold order and integrity within the legislative chamber.

Addressing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition, which some media reports linked to her suspension, Bamidele clarified that the petition was disregarded because it did not adhere to procedural requirements. He stressed that all petitions must follow due process, irrespective of their subject matter.

“Contrary to the false claims being circulated, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was not suspended for making any sexual harassment allegations or for submitting a petition,” he added.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has stated that it will hear from the Nigerian Senate before addressing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case. Responding to her address at the global parliamentary session, IPU President Tulia Ackson said that while the organization had listened to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s concerns, it would not take action until it had also heard from Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Nigerian Senate.

“We have heard her concern. Having heard her, it would have been an opportunity for all of us to understand what she has said. We only listened to her side. But as an institution, the IPU will be taking concerns that have been raised, not only to listen to her side but to give opportunities to the other side as it is the custom with IPU,” Ackson stated in a now-viral video.