Nigerian Senator Suspended for Six Months Over Harassment Claims – BBC Reports
Nigerian lawmakers have suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months after she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, according to the BBC.
The suspension came after Uduaghan submitted a petition detailing her allegations, which she first made public in an interview last week.
The BBC reports that the Senate’s ethics committee dismissed her petition on procedural grounds and recommended her suspension, claiming she had brought “ridicule” to the National Assembly.
While some senators argued for a shorter suspension, the majority voted to uphold the six-month ban.
Uduaghan called her suspension “an injustice” and vowed to continue fighting for justice. The BBC highlights that her case has sparked widespread debate in Nigeria, with many calling for a transparent investigation into her allegations.
Women’s rights activist Hadiza Ado told the BBC that the suspension is a “sad day for Nigerian women,” especially since only four of the 109 senators are women. Many women on social media also expressed anger, calling the move “oppression.”
The BBC notes that protests took place in Abuja, with one group supporting Akpabio and another chanting “Akpabio must go” in solidarity with Uduaghan.
During her suspension, Uduaghan will be barred from the National Assembly premises, and her office will be locked.
For more details on this story, visit the BBC’s website.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c74310qw53no