IBY
Peterside Rejoice Eneky
The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central for six months over alleged misconduct and refusal to comply with the chamber’s seating arrangement during a plenary session on February 20.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the suspension on Thursday after a majority of senators voted in favor of the decision. As part of the penalties, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s salary and allowances will be withheld, her security aides withdrawn, and her office at the National Assembly closed. She will also be barred from representing the Senate locally or internationally during the suspension period.
The controversy began when Akpoti-Uduaghan refused to sit in a new seat assigned to her, arguing that the change was made without her consent and violated her privileges. The matter was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen.
In presenting the committee’s findings, Imasuen stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan was invited to appear before the committee but declined, which was deemed disrespectful. Additionally, a sexual harassment petition she filed against Akpabio was dismissed for violating Senate rules, as she personally signed it instead of submitting it through an appropriate channel.
The committee recommended her six-month suspension starting March 6, along with the additional measures. The Senate upheld the recommendations, and Akpoti-Uduaghan was escorted out of the chamber by the Sergeant-at-Arms while protesting that the decision was unjust.
It remains uncertain whether she will apologize or challenge the suspension
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