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, which cited her for violating Senate rules.
According to the committee’s recommendation, read by Chairman Senator Neda Imasuen, the suspension will take effect from March 6, 2025. During this period, Senator Natasha’s office will be locked, and she will be barred from accessing the National Assembly premises. Her salary, along with those of her legislative aides, will be withheld. Additionally, she will be prohibited from representing Nigeria in any official capacity as a senator.
The committee also recommended that she submit a written apology, which the Senate may review to reconsider her suspension. The Senate is expected to vote on the recommendation, which, if approved, would strip Senator Natasha of all legislative privileges for the suspension’s duration.
Dispute with Senate President Akpabio
The move is the latest development in the ongoing dispute between Senator Natasha and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The conflict initially stemmed from a seating arrangement issue but later escalated into allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio.
On Wednesday, the committee dismissed Senator Natasha’s petition accusing Akpabio of abuse of office, sexual harassment, and obstruction of legislative duties. Senator Imasuen described the petition as “dead on arrival” and stated it would not be entertained.
Despite this, Senator Natasha resubmitted the petition during plenary on Thursday. When asked if the matter was in court, she denied it. Consequently, she was directed to submit the petition to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for further investigation. The committee will conduct its probe within four weeks and report back to the Senate.
