Senate Unseals Natasha’s Office, Grants Her Access Into NASS Premises

By Bukola Kayode

Reprieve has come the way of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central. A Deputy Director with the Sergeant at Arms Department of the National Assembly, along with combined personnel from security organisations, has unsealed her office, located in room 205 of the Senate wing on Tuesday.

The official unsealing of the Kogi senator’s office signals that the National Assembly has now granted the suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan access to her office and the National Assembly premises.

The Senate suspended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, for six months on Thursday, March 6.

The decision followed the adoption of recommendations of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, which found the Kogi lawmaker guilty of misconduct and failure to appear before the committee.

As part of the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s salary and security details were withdrawn, and she was barred from accessing the National Assembly complex.

Her office was locked, and her legislative aides stopped from receiving their salaries during the suspension period. The Senate further ruled out reconsidering her suspension until the six-month term ends or she submits a formal apology.

Related story: https://frontlinenews.com.ng/senate-suspends-natasha-for-six-months/

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension followed her clash with the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, over the reassignment of her seat. She arrived at a plenary session to find her nameplate removed and her seat reassigned, which she argued was an attempt to silence her.

Her suspension was put to a vote after she was denied the opportunity to speak, with the majority siding with the Ethics Committee’s report.

Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro supported the committee’s recommendation, stating that her actions warranted disciplinary action. He likened the move to “correcting a child,” referencing Nigerian cultural norms.

Recall that the Kogi Senator’s lawyer, Victor Giwa, disclosed that the senator who vacationed in London has perfected plans to resume plenary alongside her colleagues when the Senate reconvenes on September 23.

“Actually, she’s ready to resume her term. She’s in London. Everything is in place, and the six months have expired. The only thing left is her resumption,” Giwa was quoted as saying.