Photograph Credit score: Natasha Akpoti/Instagram
The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti–Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, for a interval of six months.
Her suspension, introduced at present, was based mostly on the suggestions of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, which discovered her in violation of Senate guidelines.
“That the Senate do droop Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for her whole violation of the Senate Standing Guidelines (2023 as amended for bringing the presiding officer and your complete Nigerian Senate to public opprobrium,” Akpabio declared whereas studying the committee’s findings, which stemmed from an investigation into her allegations of sexual harassment in opposition to the Senate President.
The suspension, set to take impact from March 6, 2025, was upheld regardless of efforts by some senators to cut back it to a few months. A majority vote within the Senate affirmed the unique choice.
Nonetheless, the lawmakers dominated that the suspension might be reconsidered or lifted if Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan submits a written apology.
“For the Senate to contemplate lifting this suspension or lowering the tenure of the suspension, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan shall submit a written apology to the Senate earlier than her reconsideration by the Nigerian Senate,” Akpabio acknowledged.
Following the announcement, the Kogi Central senator was escorted out of the chambers by the Sergeant-at-Arms. Earlier than leaving, she declared, “This injustice is not going to be sustained.”
Past the six-month suspension, further penalties have been imposed on the PDP lawmaker. These embrace:
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension marks the climax of weeks of escalating tensions between her, Senate President Akpabio, and the higher chamber of the Nationwide Meeting.
