By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka, Abuja
The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, for six months due to alleged misconduct and refusal to comply with the chamber’s sitting arrangement during the plenary session on February 20.
The suspension follows a report by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, which found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of violating Senate Standing Rules and bringing the legislative chamber into public disrepute.
The controversy began when Akpoti-Uduaghan protested the reallocation of her seat in the Senate chamber on February 20.
The Senate Ethics Committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), deemed her actions unjustified and highlighted inconsistencies in her behavior.
Despite efforts by some senators to reduce the suspension to three months, the majority vote upheld the original six-month suspension, effective March 6, 2025.
The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions found Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions inconsistent, as she sought to block an investigation into a petition against her while pushing for a full inquiry into her sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The committee’s recommendations for disciplinary measures were overwhelmingly approved by the Senate, including: Six-month suspension, from all legislative activities, with a written apology to the Senate for reinstatement; Office closure, with all Senate properties returned to the Clerk of the National Assembly.
Others are ban from National Assembly premises, including for her staff, during the suspension; Suspension of salaries and allowances, and withdrawal of security details and; Prohibition from representing herself as a Senator, both locally and internationally.
Senators weighed in on the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, emphasizing the importance of upholding the Senate’s rules and maintaining order.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim stressed that the institution must protect itself, as breaching its own rules undermines its authority. Senator Mohammed Monguno echoed this sentiment, highlighting that rules and regulations are essential for governance, whereas their absence is characteristic of the animal kingdom.
Senator Bassey Aniekun Etim condemned Akpoti-Uduaghan’s behavior on February 20 as disorderly, expressing support for the disciplinary measures taken against her. In a surprising turn,
Senator Karimi Sunday expressed remorse for previously backing Akpoti-Uduaghan, admitting that pressuring the Senate President to grant her a leadership position was a mistake, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim emphasized the need for self-regulation within the Senate, stressing that upholding its own rules is crucial for setting an example for Nigerians to follow the country’s laws. He noted that the executive and judiciary have their own disciplinary structures, and the Senate must ensure compliance within its institution.
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, however, advocated for a more lenient approach, proposing a three-month suspension instead of six.
He argued that the Senate should be seen as an institution of statesmanship and urged for a balanced approach.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged his personal connection with Akpoti-Uduaghan and her family, but maintained that the Senate must maintain discipline.
Despite some senators’ efforts to reduce the suspension period, the six-month sanction was upheld through a voice vote.
The suspension’s immediate implementation includes: Sealing of her office, by the Sergeant-at-Arms and returning all National Assembly properties in her possession; Withdrawal of security details, for the duration of the suspension.
As a result, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan will be barred from legislative activities until September 2025, with the possibility of reinstatement upon submission of a formal apology.
