The Senator representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has described her six-month suspension from the Senate as ‘illegal’.
She maintained that she remains a legitimate senator and will continue to do so till 2027 as her suspension was against the ideals of natural just and equity.
In a statement in which she reacted to the decision of the Red Chamber, she vowed to continue to represent and serve her constituents to the best of her ability.
“Against the culture of silence, intimidation, and victim-shaming, my unjust suspension from the Nigerian Senate invalidates the principles of natural justice, fairness, and equity.
“The illegal suspension does not withdraw my legitimacy as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and I will continue to use my duly elected position to serve my constituents and country to the best of my ability till 2027 and beyond,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.
On Thursday, the Senate suspended the Senator for six months.
Her suspension follows the allegations of sexual harassment she made against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
The suspension followed a recommendation from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
As part of the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s salary and security details would be withdrawn, and she would be barred from accessing the National Assembly premises.
Her suspension has sparked outraged among Nigerians, with many condemning the Senate’s decision and describing it as heavy-handed, disproportionate and an egregious violation of democratic norms which is capable hampering the involvement of women in politics and normalising sexual assaults on the gender.
