The Senate Committee on Public Conduct, Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions has recommended a six-month suspension for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently representing Kogi Central, over alleged violations of Senate rules.
While presenting the panel’s report during Thursday’s plenary, committee chairman Neda Imaseun stated that the lawmaker was found in “total” violation of the Senate Standing Rules 2023 (as amended).
The committee’s recommendations include locking her office, barring her from the National Assembly premises throughout the suspension period, and withholding her salary along with those of her legislative aides.
“That the Senate do suspend Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for her total violation of the Senate Standing Rules 2023 as amended for bringing the President, the Presiding Officer, and the entire Senate in general to public app…,” Imaseun announced.
The committee further stated that for her suspension to be reconsidered or reduced, Akpoti-Uduaghan must submit a written apology to the Senate.
Other penalties recommended include:
Immediate suspension from all legislative activities starting March 6, 2025.
Locking her office and returning all Senate properties in her possession.
Prohibiting her from entering the National Assembly premises for the suspension period, including her staff.
Withdrawing her salaries, allowances, and security details.
Preventing her from representing herself as a senator at local or international events.
The controversy leading to her suspension stemmed from her open confrontation with the Senate President Godswill Akpabio over reassignment of her seat without any prior notice.
She later followed up with an allegation of sexual harassment and abuse of office against Akpabio.
However, on Wednesday, the Senate panel dismissed her sexual harassment petition, citing procedural errors and legal limitations.
It ruled that the petition was “dead on arrival” because she personally signed it instead of obtaining another person’s endorsement, rendering it invalid.
