The lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has alleged bias in actions taken against her by the leadership of the Nigerian Senate on allegations of gross misconduct.
Speaking on Sky News, Natasha accused the Senate led by its president, Godswill Akpabio of setting double standards against her move to question the legitimacy behind the change of her seat that led to her six-month suspension by the Red Chamber.
She stated that on several occasions, she has watched men engage in physical fights, throw items and curse words at each other but were never suspended by the Senate leadership.
Describing her suspension by the Senate as undeserving, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she was never allowed the opportunity to query the leadership’s decision to change her seat.
“Let’s talk about the gross misconduct that has happened in the Nigerian chambers. I was only told to move, and I refused to move my seat because I deserved to be notified.
“I deserve to be given a chance to explain why I should retain my seat. But you see, I have seen in those chambers where men fight, where senators throw items at each other, curse each other, shout at each other, you know? But they were not suspended. Why? Because they are men?” she queried.
Further implying that her suspension by the Senate leadership was politically motivated, the female lawmaker said she was punished for submitting a petition of sexual harassment against the Senate President.
Akpoti-Uduaghan said, “Yes, they did mention that I was suspended on account of gross misconduct. But can they please provide exactly what the gross misconduct is that amounts for six months suspension the day after I submitted a petition? I was suspended because of that petition, not because of any gross misconduct.”
