Ex-Gov Dickson, Opposition Senators Rally Behind Suspended Natasha Akpoti, Vow Swift Justice

•  Suspended Senator Natasha Traumatized Me- Akpabio
• She Was Suspended for Misconduct,Not Sexual Assault Allegation –Senate Leader

Former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson has rallied support for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following her suspension from the Senate last Thursday. 

Leading a delegation of opposition senators, Dickson visited Natasha at her home on Friday to offer encouragement and discuss strategies for a swift resolution of her case.

Dickson explained that he had been absent from the Senate due to his participation in a three-day workshop on Tax Reform Bills, held from March 5 to March 7. “Senators, like all of us, experience highs and lows, and it’s our tradition to support one another during challenging times,” he stated.

He further clarified that his absence prevented him from joining the Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, Privileges, and Public Petitions during the emergency session concerning Natasha’s suspension—a hearing that the Committee Chairman has rescheduled for March 11 after initial notices were issued.

“After concluding the retreat, I promptly led a delegation of opposition senators to visit our colleague, offering words of encouragement, prayers, and advice on resolving the issues surrounding her suspension,” Dickson said. 

He added that he would consult with other senators on how best to engage with the Senate leadership to address the matter.

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months after refusing her reassignment within the upper legislative chamber. 

Her suspension has ignited controversy, with the incident escalating into allegations of sexual harassment by a Kogi senator against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. 

The move has drawn widespread criticism, particularly from women’s rights groups and civil society organizations, while the Peoples Democratic Party condemned the suspension as a cover-up by Akpabio.

Meanwhile,Senate Leader, Bamidele Opeyemi, has clarified that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct, not because of a sexual harassment allegation she made against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

Opeyemi made the disclosure in a statement that was made available to PUNCH Online on Saturday.

Bamidele said false narratives are being circulated by certain media organisations on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension.