The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, from the Senate has ignited a firestorm of controversy, raising critical questions about fairness, justice, and the integrity of Nigeria's legislative processes. Accusations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, coupled with allegations of abuse of power, have plunged the Senate into a state of disarray, drawing condemnation from political parties, civil society organizations, and the public alike.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) have vehemently denounced Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's suspension, labeling it a travesty of justice and a blatant attempt to stifle dissent. The PDP's National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, asserted that the Akpabio-led Senate leadership is desperately trying to cover up serious allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President. He argued that suspending Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan without an open investigation not only violates the principle of fair hearing but also portrays the Senate as an institution that condones and protects misconduct.

Chief Peter Ameh, National Secretary of CUPP, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the Senate's action undermines Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's right to be heard and casts a shadow over the Senate's commitment to justice and due process. Ameh highlighted the glaring procedural flaw in the proceedings, noting that Senator Akpabio presided over the session that sealed Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's fate, a clear violation of natural justice. He drew a parallel with former Senate President Bukola Saraki's approach in similar situations, where Saraki often stepped aside to allow for an unbiased process.

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hajia Imaan Suleiman, has stepped into the fray, pledging to engage with the Senate to broker peace and seek an amicable resolution. Suleiman expressed concern over the dwindling female representation in the legislature and emphasized the need to sensitize women in politics, encouraging greater collaboration with their male counterparts. She stressed that Nigeria must accelerate efforts to increase women's representation in governance and ensure they have a seat at the table.

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has strongly condemned Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's suspension, describing it as illegal, unconstitutional, and undemocratic. CISLAC's Executive Director, Auwal Rafsanjani, stated that the suspension violates the 1999 Constitution and sets a dangerous precedent for legislative governance. He argued that the Senate's action denies the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District their right to representation and warned of potential international fallout, damaging Nigeria's democratic reputation.

Rafsanjani cited past judicial rulings that have consistently declared legislative suspensions unlawful, including Hon. Dino Melaye v House of Representatives (2009), Ali Ndume v Senate President & Ors (2018), and House of Assembly v Hon. Danna (2003). He also questioned the impartiality of Senate President Godswill Akpabio in handling the matter, alleging that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's suspension stemmed from her raising sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio. CISLAC raised concerns over the implications of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's suspension on women's participation in politics, warning that it sends a dangerous message that female lawmakers can be intimidated and silenced at will.

Adding to the legal discourse, Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN) argued that the Senate was in breach of the rule of law by suspending Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing an interim court order restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions from proceeding with any disciplinary investigation against her. Shittu advised the Senate to suspend all disciplinary proceedings against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and called for an impartial inquiry into both the sexual harassment allegations and any related misconduct.

However, Professor of Law, Fassy Yusuf, presented a different view, arguing that the suspension was in order. He stated that the Senate gave a reason for its action, noting that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan did not appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics and did not give the Senate President and the committee the recognition they deserved. Yusuf argued that every institution has its modus operandi of regulating its affairs and the conduct of members, and the Senate is no exception.

Blessing Agbomhere, the South-South Zonal Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), dismissed Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio as undeserving of the attention being given to it, arguing that there are more pressing issues facing the country. Agbomhere cautioned against attempts to denigrate Nigeria's legislative institution and dismissed the allegations as a calculated political manoeuvre rather than a genuine push for justice or gender inclusion.

The controversy surrounding Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's suspension has exposed deep divisions within the Senate and raised serious questions about the integrity of Nigeria's legislative processes. Allegations of sexual harassment, abuse of power, and violations of due process have cast a shadow over the Senate, undermining public trust and confidence in the institution. As the drama unfolds, the Nigerian public awaits a resolution that upholds justice, fairness, and the rule of law.

Femi Akintunde-Johnson notes that this scandal highlights the broader issue of power and gender in Nigerian politics. The pattern is familiar: a woman in public office raises serious allegations against a powerful male counterpart, only to face an orchestrated campaign to discredit her. While Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims require legal and procedural scrutiny, the dismissive response from Senate leadership suggests an unwillingness to engage with the matter in good faith. The Nigerian public, already weary of political theatrics, has reason to be skeptical of both sides.