Votes For The Suspension Of Senator Natasha Akpoti–Uduaghan Was Unanimous

Senate Unanimously Votes to Suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Nigerian Senate has unanimously voted to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, for six months. This decision follows the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions after an investigation into allegations of misconduct and violations of Senate rules.

The suspension stems from a series of controversies involving Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, including her protest against the reassignment of her seat during a plenary session on February 20. The incident escalated into a heated confrontation with Senate leadership and its presiding officers, prompting the referral of her case to the Ethics Committee for review.

During today’s plenary session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio called for a vote on the committee’s findings. The Ethics Committee concluded that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had violated Senate rules by refusing to appear before the panel and engaging in actions deemed disrespectful to the institution. The suspension was approved unanimously by all senators present.

Besides her suspension, the following disciplinary actions were taken: A withdrawal of her salary and that of her aides, a ban on accessing National Assembly premises, closure of her Senate office for the suspension duration, withdrawal of her security details, and a requirement to submit a formal written apology to the Senate for reconsideration of her status.

Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro supported the Ethics Committee’s recommendations, stating that disciplinary action was necessary to uphold decorum in the Senate. “As Nigerians, we have a tradition; if you beat your child with one hand, you draw them closer with the other,” he remarked.

This development marks a significant moment in the ongoing tensions within the 10th Senate and underscores its commitment to enforcing discipline among its members while addressing internal conflicts.

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