In a significant development within Nigeria’s legislative chambers, the Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, for a period of six months, effective from March 6, 2025.
This decision follows recommendations from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, which cited misconduct and her recent conduct in the chamber as reasons for the suspension.
The suspension entails several punitive measures:
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is required to vacate her office for the duration of the suspension and return all official properties to the Clerk of the National Assembly.
She and her staff are barred from entering the National Assembly premises during this period.
Her salaries, allowances, and other entitlements are suspended. However, after deliberation, the Senate agreed that while her aides could not access the premises, their salaries should not be withheld.
The Senate has stipulated that for any reconsideration of the suspension or its duration, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan must submit a written apology. Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized this requirement before the matter was put to a vote.
This suspension follows a recent altercation in the Senate chamber, where Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan protested the reassignment of her seat without prior notification. The incident escalated into a heated exchange with Senate President Akpabio, leading to disruptions during the plenary session.
In response to her suspension, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed her determination to challenge the decision. As she left the Senate chamber, she declared, “This injustice will not be sustained,” indicating her intent to contest the suspension and continue serving her constituents.
The situation has garnered significant attention, reflecting ongoing tensions within the legislative body. Observers are keenly watching how this development will unfold in the coming months.
