Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been stripped of her position as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations.
The announcement was made on Thursday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who refused to offer any explanation for the decision. He named Senator Bassey Aniekun Etim, representing Akwa Ibom East, as her replacement.
This change comes months after the Kogi Central lawmaker was suspended from the Senate in March for six months—a move that sparked controversy and legal backlash.
SaharaReporters previously revealed that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had submitted a formal petition to the Senate during plenary, accusing Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment. Citing Senate Rule 40, she said the decision to file the petition followed her public address of the issue on Arise TV.
The incident, which reportedly began as a disagreement over Senate seating arrangements, quickly escalated after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations. Her husband, Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, has since attempted to mediate the dispute.
The Senator further claimed that Akpabio blocked her legislative motions in retaliation for rejecting his alleged advances.
In response to her suspension, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) issued a public demand for Akpabio to comply with a court order reinstating Akpoti-Uduaghan and restoring her full legislative rights. In a statement, SERAP described the Senate’s action as a blatant breach of the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights obligations.
“Senate President, Godswill Akpabio must immediately obey court order and ensure a smooth return of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Senate today or any other day of her choosing. She should never have been suspended in the first place,” SERAP stated.
Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned until October 3 for judgment in a case filed on behalf of the Kogi Central Senatorial District, challenging her suspension from the Senate.
