Nigeria: Senator suspended after filing harassment claim

Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan was suspended on Thursday after accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. Her claim was denied by the Senate Ethics Committee, and she will be suspended without pay for six months.

In a social media post, she called her suspension "unjust," adding it "invalidates the principles of natural justice, fairness and equity." She is one of just four female senators in Nigeria.

Akpoti Uduaghan claimed the Senate president would only agree to move her motions forward if she provided him sexual favors.

Speaking to a local broadcaster, she quoted Akpabio as telling her, "You can enjoy a whole lot if you take care of me and make me happy."

Akpabio has denied the allegations.

Akpoti Uduaghan filed suit against the Senate president, demanding N100 billion (roughly €60.9 million, $65.79 million) in damages.

Activists push back

Akpoti Uduaghan's suspension came just two days before the celebration of International Women's Day on March 8. Women's groups have criticized the Senate's decision.

It was a "stunning display of patriarchal impunity," said Mabel Adinya Ade, founder of a Nigerian women's rights group.

"The message is chilling: speak out, and you will be punished," she added.

Chioma Agqwuegbo, executive director of another women's rights group, said the Senate's ethics committee "has shown that it is not fit for purpose."

According to the Nigerian Policy and Legal Advocacy Center, the ratio of women to men in government is at a record low.

Edited by: Sean Sinico, Wesley Dockery

Correction, 10.3.2025: A previous version of this article stated that N100 billion equals €58,900, $64,000. This has now been corrected. We apologize for the error.