The Nigerian Senate has responded to Senator Natasha’s claims on sexual harassment, telling the Inter-Parliamentary Union clarifying that the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was not related to allegations of sexual harassment but was due to gross misconduct, unruly behavior during plenary sessions, gross indiscipline, and violations of the Senate Standing Orders 2023.
Speaking before the IPU on Wednesday, Kafilat Ogbara, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development and a member of Nigeria’s delegation, refuted claims made by Akpoti-Uduaghan at the United Nations event.
She stated that the senator was not suspended for raising sexual harassment allegations against Senate President, emphasizing that it was a disciplinary action for repeated violations of legislative decorum.
Ogbara, reading a letter signed by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and addressed to the IPU leadership stated that these actions constituted a direct challenge to the Senate’s authority and a violation of its standing orders.
It also stated that disciplinary measures were necessary to restore order and uphold the integrity of the legislative institution.
MUST READ: Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan suspended for violating Senate Standing Orders, Not Sexual Harassment Allegation – Senate Clarifies
Addressing media reports suggesting otherwise, Oghara’s address dismissed claims that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for making sexual harassment allegations, calling such narratives false, misleading, and an intentional distortion of facts.
She further clarified that if the senator had followed the Senate’s procedural guidelines, her petition would have been considered on its merits.
However, her petition was dismissed for failing to meet the required procedural standards.
The Senate leadership has condemned what it describes as a coordinated misinformation campaign by certain media organizations, accusing them of deliberately twisting facts for political motives.
The Senate urged foreign correspondents and responsible media houses to correct these misrepresentations and refrain from spreading misinformation that undermines Nigeria’s legislative process.
The statement concluded by reaffirming the Senate’s commitment to discipline, order, and parliamentary ethics, emphasizing that no senator is above the rules.
(Editor : Ena Agbanoma)
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