Atedo Peterside Slams Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension as Illegal, Disrespectful
The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has sparked outrage, with Atedo Peterside, founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, calling it an unlawful move that disrespects the democratic rights of her constituents in Kogi Central.
Taking to the social media platform X on Sunday, Peterside did not mince words in condemning the senate’s action.
“The most disturbing aspect of the Nigeria Senate hullabaloo around @NatashaAkpoti is that the Senate Leadership must be aware that her suspension for six months is ultra vires and also disrespectful to her constituents in Kogi State, but they don’t care,” he posted.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the senate on March 6 following a heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The dispute originated on February 20 when she objected to the reassignment of her seat, claiming it was an attempt to sideline her. Accusing Akpabio of discriminatory treatment, the confrontation quickly escalated into a full-blown political storm.
Days later, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged on Human Rights Radio that the senate leadership was planning her suspension to silence her voice. The controversy intensified when, on February 28, she appeared on Arise TV and accused Akpabio of sexual harassment. She claimed that in 2023, Akpabio made inappropriate advances towards her, and after she rejected him, he allegedly began undermining her by blocking her motions and orchestrating the seating change.
Akpabio has strongly denied the allegations, and in response, his wife, Ekaette, filed a defamation lawsuit against Akpoti-Uduaghan, demanding N350 billion in damages.
The senate’s ethics, privileges, and public petitions committee, led by Neda Imasuen, cited “gross misconduct” and violations of standing orders related to the seating dispute as reasons for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension. Notably, her sexual harassment petition against Akpabio was dismissed on procedural grounds, including that she signed it herself, which allegedly violated senate rules.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has fiercely rejected the suspension, labeling it “unjust” and “illegal.” In a defiant March 7 Facebook post, she asserted that the decision undermines natural justice and vowed to continue representing her constituents.
Not backing down, she has taken legal action, filing a N100 billion defamation lawsuit against Akpabio. The battle now moves from the senate floor to the courtroom, where the stakes are higher than ever.
