Nigerian lawmakers have suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months following her petition alleging sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The accusations, first made in an interview last Friday, have sparked widespread discussions across Nigeria.
The ethics committee dismissed Uduaghan’s petition on procedural grounds and recommended her suspension, claiming she had brought ridicule to the National Assembly. Despite some senators advocating for a reduced three-month suspension, the majority voted to uphold the six-month recommendation.
Women’s rights activist Hadiza Ado described the suspension as a “sad day for Nigerian women.” Uduaghan, calling the suspension an “injustice,” vowed to continue her pursuit of justice.
The allegations have prompted calls for a transparent investigation from various prominent individuals and groups. On Wednesday, protesters gathered at the assembly ground in Abuja, with one group supporting Akpabio and the other backing Uduaghan, chanting “Akpabio must go.”
Mrs. Ado, founder of the Women and Children Initiative, emphasized the importance of investigating Uduaghan’s allegations, stating, “Today is a sad day for Nigerian women fighting for emancipation. Out of 109 senators, only four are women, and one is now suspended.”
Many women on social media expressed their anger over the suspension, labeling it as “oppression.” During her suspension, Uduaghan will be barred from the National Assembly premises, and her office will be locked.
