The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months following a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Announcing the decision, Akpabio said, “That the Senate do suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for her total violation of the Senate Standing Rules (2023 as amended) by bringing the presiding officer and the entire Nigerian Senate to public opprobrium.”

The suspension followed recommendations from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, which had been investigating Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations of sexual harassment.

RELATED STORY: Senate Committee Throws Out Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Petition Against Akpabio

Despite efforts by some senators to reduce the suspension to three months, the majority voted in favour of the six-month sanction. However, the lawmakers ruled that the suspension could be reviewed if she issued a written apology.

“For the Senate to consider lifting or reducing this suspension, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan must submit a written apology before her reconsideration by the Nigerian Senate,” Akpabio stated at the Red Chamber on Thursday.

Following the ruling, the Kogi Central senator was escorted out of the chamber by the Sergeant-at-Arms. Before departing, she declared, “This injustice will not stand.”