A Threat To Senate Integrity’: Ex-Senate Chief Whip Criticizes Akpabio’s Handling OF Natasha Suspension

peaking to the press regarding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, Owie cautioned that no senator should be unjustly stripped of their mandate and emphasized the importance of the Senate adhering to due process.

“We are not a Banana Republic. A senator remains a senator at all times, even when suspended or no longer serving. The 10th Senate must be careful to protect the integrity of this institution,” Owie stated.

How The Crisis Escalated

Naija News reports that the controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension began with a confrontation on February 20, 2025, when she protested the reassignment of her Senate seat by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Things escalated after Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment. Initially, the matter was blocked from discussion but was later referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions after she re-presented her case.

Akpoti-Uduaghan refused to appear before the Ethics Committee, citing a court order that restrained the Senate from proceeding with an investigation against her. Despite this, the Senate proceeded with disciplinary actions, resulting in her six-month suspension.

Owie: Senate President Should Have Stepped Aside

Owie stressed the importance of due process, asserting that Akpabio should have stepped down to ensure an impartial investigation.

“I have always warned that the 10th Senate must be cautious to avoid damaging the reputation of the Upper Chamber. Any issues raised in the Senate must undergo thorough investigations—nothing should be ignored. Normally, the President of the Senate should step aside to allow for a fair investigation,” Owie said.

Akpoti-Uduaghan Rejects Suspension

In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed her suspension as unjust, arguing that it violated the principles of natural justice, fairness, and equity.

“Defying the culture of silence, intimidation, and victim-shaming, my unjust suspension from the Nigerian Senate undermines the principles of fairness and justice,” Akpoti-Uduaghan stated.

She further asserted that her suspension does not diminish her legitimacy.

“The illegal suspension does not invalidate my position as a duly elected senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and I will continue to serve my constituents and the country to the best of my ability until 2027 and beyond,” she declared.