By Bukola Kayode
The Senate on Thursday suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, for six months.
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As part of the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s salary and security details will be withdrawn, and she will be barred from accessing the National Assembly complex.
Her office would also be locked, and her legislative aides would not receive their salaries during this period. The Senate further ruled out reconsidering her suspension until the six-month term ends or she submits a formal apology.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension follows 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.
To appeal the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan must submit a written apology to the Senate for allegedly violating its rules.
The Ethics Committee originally recommended a six-month suspension but later reduced it to three months after the Senate considered the plea of Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), who had requested a reduction.
Presenting the committee’s report during Thursday’s plenary, Chairman Senator Neda Imasuen stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan was found guilty of all allegations due to her non-compliance with the committee’s proceedings.
Be the first to comment