Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, lawmaker representing Kogi central, had accused Akpabio of making sexual advances towards her during a visit to the senate president’s residence in Akwa Ibom state.

On Thursday, she was suspended following the adoption of the recommendations by the senate committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions.

Speaking at the plenary, Neda Imaseun, chairman of the committee, said the panel’s report followed an “investigation” that found her in “total” violation of senate rules.

In a statement on Thursday, Agbomhere described the controversy as a plot by political opponents determined to undermine the senate president.

“President Bola Tinubu has just signed the N54.99 trillion 2025 appropriation bill into law,” he said. “What Nigerians should be demanding now is for the executive arm of government through a coordinated oversight from the legislature, to ensure proper implementation of the budget rather than any attempt to denigrate the hallowed chambers of Nigeria’s legislature before the eyes of the world.”

Agbomhere also refuted claims that the allegations against Akpabio were linked to the fight for women’s rights and justice.

He alleged that those behind the accusations were not seeking genuine inclusion for women but merely using the issue as a tool to push for Akpabio’s removal from office.

“As we mark the International Day for Women, I urge discerning Nigerians to note that the unsubstantiated allegations against Akpabio have nothing to do with seeking justice and inclusion for women, as some people are saying, but purely a calculated plot to remove him from office through the back door,” Agbomhere added.