Akpabio may step down as Senate plots Natasha’s indefinite suspension

Senate President Godswill Akpabio is reportedly considering temporarily stepping down as part of a strategy to clear his name of sexual harassment allegations while setting the stage for the indefinite suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Sources within the Senate revealed that the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions (SCEPPP) will investigate the allegations against Akpabio.

The committee is expected to officially exonerate him before recommending Natasha’s suspension, following her sexual harassment accusations and previous disputes over seating arrangements in the Senate chamber.

Insiders disclosed that both Akpabio and Natasha are set to appear before the committee in the coming days. Allegedly, Akpabio will step aside briefly “to fulfil all righteousness,” only for the panel to clear him of any wrongdoing.

This will then be followed by Natasha’s suspension for the remainder of her tenure.

The investigation will be led by Senator Neda Imasuen. Notably, Senator Ireti Kingibe and Senate Deputy Chief Whip Onyekachi Nwebonyi have made statements that seem to align with this unfolding plan.

Kingibe, who had earlier criticized Natasha’s reaction to the seat reassignment, has now pledged to support an investigation into the sexual harassment claim.

“I would like to assure Nigerians that I will be at the forefront to champion the sexual harassment case involving my colleague, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, when the investigation comes to the red chamber,” Kingibe said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Nwebonyi, in an interview with Channels Television, confirmed that both Akpabio and Natasha would appear before the investigative panel alongside other senators who were present during the alleged incident.

A top Senate source alleged that the goal is to ensure Natasha remains suspended for the rest of her tenure.

“The plan currently being orchestrated is to suspend Senator Natasha until 2027. The report of the panel is already being prepared, and the panel itself is just a formality. Akpabio will announce that he is stepping down temporarily to face investigation. After a few hours, the committee will declare him innocent, and Natasha will be suspended indefinitely,” the source claimed.

The conflict between the two senators escalated after Natasha accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances toward her during a visit to his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in December 2023. She alleged that Akpabio held her hand, led her around his house, and made advances—even in the presence of her husband.

Before this, Natasha had refused to accept a new seating arrangement in the chamber. She was later suspended for six months over what the Senate termed “misconduct.” The decision was based on a report by the Senate Ethics Committee, chaired by Senator Imasuen.

Following her suspension, Natasha was barred from the Senate building and instructed to return all official properties to the Clerk of the National Assembly, among other penalties.