Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been officially removed as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations.
The announcement was made Thursday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary, with no explanation provided for the decision.
In her place, Senator Bassey Aniekun Etim of Akwa Ibom East has been appointed as the new committee chair.
The position had remained vacant since March following Akpoti-Uduaghan’s controversial six-month suspension from the upper legislative chamber.
The Kogi Central lawmaker’s suspension ignited widespread public backlash and legal scrutiny, particularly after she accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment.
In a petition formally submitted during plenary, Akpoti-Uduaghan cited Senate Rule 40 and explained that she had previously discussed the alleged misconduct in a televised interview on Arise News before bringing it formally before the Senate.
According to her, the dispute began over seating arrangements but escalated after she claimed Akpabio had blocked her legislative motions in retaliation for her refusal of his alleged advances.
Her husband, Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, has since intervened in the matter in a bid to deescalate tensions.
Civil society organizations have also taken up her cause.
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The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) condemned her suspension as unconstitutional and in violation of Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.
In a recent statement, SERAP called on the Senate leadership to comply with a court order directing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reinstatement.
“Senate President, Godswill Akpabio must immediately obey court order and ensure a smooth return of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Senate today or any other day of her choosing,” SERAP said in a statement on Tuesday. “Her suspension is a grave violation of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and international human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.”
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the case challenging her suspension to October 3, with a ruling expected that could have major implications for Senate leadership and legislative independence.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s removal from the committee chairmanship is seen by some observers as a continuation of political retribution,
while others argue it may be part of a broader reshuffle. Still, the silence from Senate leadership on the reasons behind the decision has fueled further speculation.
As the legal battle continues and public attention mounts, all eyes will be on the Senate’s next steps — and on whether the rule of law will ultimately prevail.