The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi) for six months over what it described as a “total violation” of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended).
The suspension followed the presentation of a report by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, led by Senator Neda Imaseun, during Thursday’s plenary.
The case stemmed from an incident on February 20, when Akpoti-Uduaghan protested the reallocation of her seat in the Senate chamber. Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu (APC-Ekiti) raised concerns over her actions on February 25, urging the Senate to uphold its Standing Orders.
The committee’s report noted that Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to appear before it despite being invited. Additionally, it cited her legal challenge against the Senate’s proceedings as an attempt to obstruct its constitutional duties.
Following deliberations, the committee recommended her suspension for six months, citing misconduct and actions that allegedly brought the Senate into disrepute. The Senate adopted the recommendations, barring her from representing herself as a senator locally and internationally during the suspension period. Her salaries and allowances were also withheld.
To reconsider the suspension, the Senate mandated that Akpoti-Uduaghan submit a written apology.
During the debate, Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro pleaded for a reduction of the suspension to three months, while Senator Adams Oshiomhole advised Akpoti-Uduaghan to reflect on the situation.
In his final remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio defended the decision, stating that the Senate’s rules, derived from the Nigerian Constitution, empowered him to enforce order and discipline in the chamber.
