Following Nigeria’s Senate suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, for a period of six months, the First Lady, Mrs. Remi Tinubu, on Thursday announced that the Red Chamber remains a “matured” institution that must be treated with respect.
Natasha’s suspension followed the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, which found her guilty of misconduct and failure to appear before the committee.
Speaking to journalists ahead of the International Women’s Day, Mrs Tinubu dismissed concerns over the Senate’s handling of the matter, insisting that lawmakers were “doing what is needful.”
She said the Senate should be a place of honour, not controversy, and urged Nigerian women to assert themselves in leadership roles.
“I know with what is going on in the Senate, you may say, why am I not taking oppositions? I believe that the Senate is doing what is needful, because that’s what it is. Is an inside place and it’s a matured chambers.
“We shouldn’t be hearing things like that. It’s a matured chamber, and it should be treated with respect. It’s an honour for you to be in that place alone.
“I was there for 12 years, even in my younger days, and I’m still trying to look young, but people compliment you all the time only that, women raise yourself, don’t be in a position that men will be talking to you anyhow. You can always shut them down before they start.”
Ahead of International Women’s Day on 8 March, Mrs Tinubu celebrated the resilience and achievements of Nigerian women, acknowledging their progress over the years.
She praised figures such as Zuriel Oduwole, who has championed peace, and said Nigerian youths have the potential to excel.
She urged women to continue striving for success.
Senator Natasha’s suspension stems from allegations of sexual harassment that Akpoti-Uduaghan levelled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She accused Akpabio of obstructing her legislative motions, particularly those concerning the Ajaokuta Steel Company, and claimed he referred to her as a “nightclub girl” during a Senate session—a remark for which he later apologised.
Presenting the committee’s report during Thursday’s plenary, Chairman Senator Neda Imasuen stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan was found guilty of all allegations due to her non-compliance with the committee’s proceedings.
The panel also recommended that her salary and security details be withdrawn during the suspension period.
In addition to the suspension, the committee advised that Akpoti-Uduaghan issue a formal apology to the Senate for actions deemed disrespectful to the institution.
The Senate’s decision marks a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against the Senate President.
Akpabio has consistently denied any misconduct, emphasizing his respect for women and refuting the claims as unfounded.
As a result of the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan will be barred from accessing the National Assembly premises, and her office will remain locked for the duration of the six-month period.
