ActionAid Nigeria Questions Speedy Suspension Of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, Demands Independent Inquiry

ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has expressed serious concerns about Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sudden suspension from the Nigerian Senate, calling for an independent investigation into both her suspension and her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

In a statement issued today, AAN Country Representative Andrew Mamedu criticised the Senate Ethics Committee’s handling of the situation.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months within 24 hours of an investigation into her alleged misconduct at a plenary session on February 20th.

Mamedu claimed that this speed violated Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to a fair hearing, which is guaranteed by Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, as well as judicial precedent that limits legislative suspensions to 14 days.

The suspension results in the loss of her salary, allowances, security detail, and office access.

“The speed with which the Senate acted raises concerns about due process,” Mamedu said. “Given the severity of the punishment, a more thorough investigation was necessary.”

AAN also highlighted the Senator’s pending petition alleging sexual harassment by Senate President Akpabio.

The organisation demanded that the same urgency as her suspension be used to investigate this serious claim. Mamedu questioned whether the Senate’s efficiency is selective, focussing only on punitive measures against opposition figures.

AAN urged the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to conduct an independent review to ensure impartiality in a case that could involve political manoeuvring.

The organisation emphasised that the involvement of an independent body is critical to restoring public trust in the Senate’s disciplinary processes.

AAN emphasised the suspension’s broader impact, in addition to its legal implications.

With Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s removal, Nigeria’s already low female representation in the Senate (3.6%) falls to 2.7%, further impeding gender equality in politics.

The AAN criticised the potential silencing of opposition voices and the disenfranchisement of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituents in Kogi Central.

“This suspension sends a dangerous message about Nigeria’s commitment to gender equality and human rights,” Mamedu said.

He reaffirmed AAN’s commitment to gender justice and democratic integrity, urging the Senate to uphold democratic principles while accommodating dissenting voices.

On International Women’s Day, the organisation urged accelerated progress towards gender equality, particularly in strengthening policies that encourage women’s political participation.

Failure to address AAN’s demands, Mamedu warned, would jeopardise the Senate’s credibility and Nigerian democracy in general.