The Senate is considering a six-month suspension for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following an investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct. The committee accused her of violating Senate rules and recommended disciplinary action.
According to the report presented by the committee’s Chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen, the suspension is set to begin on March 6, 2025. As part of the sanctions, her office will be sealed, and she will be restricted from entering the National Assembly premises. Additionally, both her salary and those of her legislative aides will be withheld.
The committee further recommended that she be prohibited from representing Nigeria in any official capacity as a senator during the suspension. However, she may submit a written apology, which the Senate could consider in reviewing her suspension.
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The Senate will vote on the recommendation, and if approved, Senator Natasha will lose all legislative privileges for the duration of the suspension.
This development is the latest in an ongoing dispute between Senator Natasha and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The conflict initially stemmed from a seating arrangement disagreement but later escalated when Natasha accused Akpabio of sexual harassment.
On Wednesday, the same committee dismissed her petition alleging abuse of office, sexual harassment, and obstruction of legislative duties. Senator Imasuen, who represents Edo South, declared that the petition was “dead on arrival” and would not be considered by the Senate, despite being signed by her constituents.
Undeterred, Senator Natasha resubmitted the petition during Thursday’s plenary session. When asked whether the case was already in court, she responded in the negative. She was then instructed to submit the petition to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for further investigation.
The committee is expected to review the matter over the next four weeks and present its findings to the Senate.
