The Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, for six months, effective March 6, 2025, over alleged misconduct and violation of Senate rules 2023 (as amended).
LEADERSHIP reports that the controversy leading to her suspension dated back to February when a dispute over seating arrangements in the Senate chamber escalated into a confrontation between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The disagreement has since evolved into allegations of misconduct, raising concerns about decorum within the legislative body. However, Akpabio denied any wrongdoing, stating on Wednesday that he had “never harassed or disrespected any woman.”
During Thursday’s plenary, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, presented its findings, making seven recommendations. According to the committee, Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to adhere to Senate rules and also disregarded the committee by refusing to honour its invitation.
Reading the committee’s recommendations, Senator Imasuen stated, “One, that the Senate do suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for her total violation of Senate standing rules, bringing the presiding officer and the entire Senate to public opprobrium.
“Two, that for the Senate to consider lifting or reducing the duration of the suspension, Senator Natasha Uduaghan shall submit a written apology to the Senate before reconsideration.
“Three, that the Senate suspend Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan with effect from March 6, 2025, from all legislative activities.
“Four, that her office be locked up for the duration of her suspension and that she hand over all Senate properties in her possession to the Clerk of the National Assembly.
“Five, that for the duration of her suspension, she must not be seen within the vicinity of the Senate or the National Assembly, including her staff.
“Six, that her salaries and allowances, including those of her legislative aides, be suspended, and that all security details assigned to her be withdrawn for the period of her suspension.
“Seven, that during her suspension, she be barred from representing herself locally and internationally as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Senator Imasuen expressed the committee’s appreciation for the opportunity to serve, stating, “On behalf of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, we appreciate the President and our distinguished colleagues for the opportunity granted upon us to serve Nigerians through this committee. Respectfully submitted for consideration and approval. Thank you, Mr. President, distinguished colleagues.”
After a lengthy debate on the report by Senators, all the recommendations were adopted by the Senators through a voice vote with a slight amendment to the 6th recommendation, allowing Senator Natasha’s aides to receive their salaries and allowances in order not to suffer unduly.
LEADERSHIP reports that all the Senators who spoke expressed their support for the outcome of the investigation.
Meanwhile, after the adoption of the report, Senator Natasha briefly interrupted the proceedings, saying the injustice against her won’t be sustained. She was thereafter escorted out of the chamber.
