Nigerian Senate Suspends Senator Following Sexual Assault Allegation

The Nigerian Senate suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following her accusation of sexual assault against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The ethics committee dismissed her claim based on procedural violations. This incident has highlighted the declining representation of women in Nigerian politics and has prompted criticism of the committee’s handling of the case. Akpoti-Uduaghan has subsequently filed a lawsuit seeking substantial damages against Akpabio.

The Nigerian Senate suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan after she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual assault. The Senate’s ethics committee recommended a six-month suspension involving the withdrawal of her allowances and security, citing violations of procedural rules in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusation. Despite her claims, the committee has rejected her accusations.

On Thursday, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed her discontent, stating, “This injustice will not be sustained,” after being removed from the chamber. Senate President Akpabio has firmly denied any wrongdoing.

According to the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, the representation of women in Nigeria’s parliament has diminished significantly since 1999. Although cases of sexual assault are infrequent in the parliament, a previous incident occurred in 2016 involving Senator Dino Melaye, who faced accusations from Senator Remi Tinubu. No charges were filed against him.

Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions, suggesting that her time away from duties should be spent reviewing Senate rules. He questioned her motives in attempting to undermine the Senate President.

Critics of the ethics committee, such as Chioma Agwuegbo of TechHerNG, have condemned its handling of the accusation, claiming it demonstrates a lack of objectivity. In a significant turn of events, Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a lawsuit against Akpabio, seeking damages totaling 100 billion naira (approximately $64,000). No further comments have been made regarding the lawsuit.

In conclusion, the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan highlights significant issues surrounding the treatment of allegations of sexual misconduct within the Nigerian Senate. The rejection of her accusations by the ethics committee has drawn criticism regarding bias and procedural fairness. The reduction in women’s representation in parliament, combined with the complexities of this case, illustrates ongoing challenges for female politicians in Nigeria.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com