Senate Suspends Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for Six-Month

By Iyojo Ameh

The Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for Six-Month sequel to the report submitted by Senator Neda Imasuen, chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct during plenary in Abuja.

The chairman said the suspension is to take effect immediately from March 6, 2025.

According to the committee’s recommendations, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan will be barred from entering the National Assembly premises during the suspension.

Her office will be shut down and both her salary. Additionally, she will be prohibited from representing Nigeria in any official capacity as a senator.

The committee also stated that the senator could be given the opportunity to submit a written apology, which may be considered if the Senate decides to review the suspension at a later date.

The final decision will be made after a vote by the entire Senate, which could strip her of all legislative privileges for the duration of the suspension.
Meanwhile, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a new petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. The petition, reportedly signed by her constituents, was presented during plenary on Thursday. When asked whether the case was before any court, she confirmed that it was not.

In accordance with parliamentary procedure, the Senate referred the petition to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for investigation. The committee has been given four weeks to examine the allegations and report its findings.

This is the second time Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has raised similar allegations against the Senate President. A previous petition was dismissed on procedural grounds on Wednesday.