Unethical Conduct: Senate Suspends Natasha For 6 Months

The Senate yesterday suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, for six months over alleged misconduct and refusal to comply with the chamber’s sitting arrangement during the plenary session on 20 February.

The suspension followed a report by the chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, submitted to the Committee of the Whole, citing multiple violations of Senate Rules and Orders.

The Committee found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of violating Senate Standing Rules and bringing the legislative chamber into public disrepute after she protested the reallocation of her seat in the Senate chamber on February 20.

The suspension takes effect from 6th March.

The Senate Ethics Committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), ruled that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions were unjustified and highlighted an inconsistency in her stance—while she sought to block an investigation into a petition against her, she insisted on a full inquiry into her own sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

After deliberations, the committee recommended the following disciplinary measures, which the Senate overwhelmingly approved: “Six-month suspension from all legislative activities, written apology to the Senate as a prerequisite for reinstatement.

“Closure of her office. With all Senate properties returned to the Clerk of the National Assembly. Ban from the National Assembly premises, Including for her staff, during the suspension.

“Suspension of salaries and allowances, Including those of her legislative aides, and withdrawal of security details, prohibition from publicly representing herself as a Senator, both locally and internationally, senate Debate and Reactions.”

During the debate, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo South) stressed the need to uphold the Senate’s rules:

“This institution is not about an individual. If we breach our own rules, who will enforce them? The Senate must protect itself.”

Senator Mohammed Monguno (Borno North) emphasised the importance of order in governance: “It is only in the animal kingdom that there are no rules and regulations. The Senate will outlive all of us, and we must protect its integrity.”

Senator Bassey Aniekun Etim described the February 20 incident as disorderly: “I watched with disappointment as she was shouting and disrupting proceedings. I support the disciplinary measures.”

Senator Karimi Sunday (Kogi West) expressed remorse for previously supporting Akpoti-Uduaghan:

“Mr. President, I want to confess my sin today. This is the holy month of Ramadan, and Fasting, I deeply regret pressuring you to give her a leadership position. That was a mistake.”

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo South) reinforced the need for self-regulation: “The Senate must uphold its own rules. If we cannot obey our laws, how can we expect Nigerians to obey the laws of the country? The executive has its own disciplinary structures, as does the judiciary. We must ensure compliance within our own institution.”

However, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro pleaded for leniency, proposing a three-month suspension instead of six months.

He argued that the Senate should be seen as an institution of statesmanship and urged for a balanced approach.

In his remarks, Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio acknowledged his personal relationship with Akpoti-Uduaghan and her family.

“The Senator we are talking about is the wife of my very close friend. I was at their wedding and even slept in their house in 2020. This is not personal, but the Senate must maintain discipline,” he said.

Following a voice vote, the six-month suspension was upheld. As part of the Senate’s resolutions, her office will be sealed immediately by the Sergeant-at-Arms.

She must return all National Assembly properties in her possession, and her security details will be withdrawn for the duration of the suspension.

With this decision, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan will be barred from all legislative activities until September 2025, with the possibility of reinstatement upon submission of a formal apology.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has once again resubmitted a sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary.

This time, she submitted the petition on behalf of her constituents, led by Zubairu Yakubu.

Following the presentation, Senate President Akpabio inquired whether there were any legal impediments to accepting the petition.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan responded that there were none. At 12:38 PM, Akpabio instructed her to formally lay the petition before the Senate.

The petition was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, led by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), with a directive to report back to the plenary within four weeks after legislative review.

This development follows a similar petition submitted by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan the previous day, which sparked controversy. The Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North), had raised a point of order, citing Senate Standing Order 40.

He argued that the matter could not be entertained or referred to the Ethics Committee, as it was sub judice due to an ongoing court case involving Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Ekaette Akpabio, the wife of the Senate President.

Monguno also contended that the petition could not be considered since Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had personally signed it.

As a result, the Senate Ethics Committee dismissed the petition, declaring it “dead on arrival.”

This latest petition adds to the ongoing tensions between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio.

Just last Thursday, a heated confrontation erupted in the Senate chamber when Akpoti-Uduaghan protested Akpabio’s reassignment of her seat.

She arrived at the session to find her nameplate removed and her seat reassigned, prompting her to demand an explanation for what she perceived as an unjustified move.