Aside from a six-month suspension from all legislative activities, starting on March 6, 2025, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria also directed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central to to tender a written apology regarding her allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The recommendation was announced on Thursday during plenary by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions.
The Senate also dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims that Akpabio had been silencing her in the chamber, labelling the allegations as baseless and frivolous.
Other key recommendations include: a six-month suspension from all legislative activities, starting on March 6, 2025; immediate return of all Senate property in her possession; and a directive prohibiting her presence in or near the legislative chamber during the suspension period.
But plucky Natasha walked out of the chamber declaring: “this injustice cannot be sustained.”
Sequel to the submission of her petition against the Senate President, social media users continued to express mixed reactions.
Natasha submitted the petition on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, following her allegations on Arise TV and resubmitted it on Thursday on account of discrepancies in the manner she submitted the first.
Netizens, however, have taken to social media to react to the petition.
Some users who took to X to react to the petition are of the opinion that Akpabio should temporarily step aside from his position as the Senate President to ensure a thorough investigation into the allegations, while others noted that the tone of his voice has softened following the petition.
Reacting to the development, @Cikings wrote, “So, he’s going to be a jury in his own case? Lol. Kindly do the ‘uncommon’ thing in Nigeria politics and step aside, sir!”
“The petition was against the Senate President and was presented to the Senate President who now referred it to the House Committee on Code of Conduct and Public Petitions. Why is he the maker and the checker? Something is wrong, and justice can’t prevail in such circumstances,” @Dunilove tweeted.
“Hope Akpabio does the right thing by stepping down as he can’t be a judge in his own case,” @Jpobiokafor wrote.
@Somadina_arthur tweeted, “Let the Senate President step aside.”
@Mekazynnaemeka2 wrote, “Mr. Senate President, you may consider stepping aside until the proper investigations are finished. Thank you and God bless.”
@Mzia0721 wrote, “Now he has reduced his tone, and not talking from his ass. Oga don humble by force!”
Another user, @Christo37688397, wrote, “I’ve never heard Akpabio’s voice in this humble manner. You and sexual harassment na mate!🤣.”
Contrary to previous reactions, some netizens threw their weight behind Akpabio, saying that he should not be crucified until the investigation into the allegations is concluded.
@Ovakiss tweeted, “But is it not the same woman who accused Rino Omokri of the same sexual harrasment in Aso Villa and turned out that Reno Omokri wasn’t even in Nigeria the day she said it happened. Let’s not crucify Akpabio on the altar of Natasha’s accusation.”
“Can Natasha prove it? If Akpabio, after the investigation, is found not guilty, then Natasha should be heavily penalised,” another user, @PaulEmmanu68682, tweeted.
