SENATE SUSPENDS NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN FOR SIX MONTHS
The Nigerian Senate has handed a six-month suspension to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents the Kogi Central Senatorial District.
This decision came after a majority vote, which followed the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct.
During the plenary session, Akpoti-Uduaghan was not allowed to speak before Senate President Godswill Akpabio called for a vote.
The Senate also decided not to reconsider the suspension until the six months have passed or Akpoti-Uduaghan offers an apology.
As part of the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s office will be sealed, and she will be denied access to the National Assembly. Her salary and that of her legislative aides will also be put on hold for the duration of the suspension.
To appeal the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan must submit a formal written apology to the Senate for breaching its rules.
Read also:Senate Dismisses Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sexual Harassment Petition Against Akpabio
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro supported the ethics committee’s report, arguing that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions called for disciplinary action. He compared her behavior to that of a child in need of correction, saying, “As Nigerians, we have a tradition; if you beat your child with the right hand, you draw that child with the left hand.”
The suspension follows a heated exchange in the Senate last week, when Akpoti-Uduaghan objected to the reassignment of her seat by Akpabio. Upon arriving at the session, she discovered that her nameplate had been removed and her seat reassigned. She challenged the decision and accused the Senate leadership of silencing her.
After her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan was escorted out of the chamber by the Sergeant-At-Arms. Before leaving, she declared that “this injustice would not be sustained.”
