Senate suspends Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months amid controversy

The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, following a violation of the Senate Standing Rules.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the announcement, citing her actions that brought disrepute to both the presiding officer and the entire Senate.

The suspension, recommended by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, is a direct consequence of the lawmaker’s actions, which were deemed to have breached the expected conduct within the legislative body.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was found guilty of actions that violated the Senate’s ethical guidelines.

In his address, Akpabio emphasized that her behavior had created public embarrassment, leading to a majority vote that ultimately sustained the six-month suspension.

Despite some senators calling for a more lenient suspension of just three months, the Senate remained firm in its stance, showing the importance of maintaining discipline and integrity within the legislative body.

As expected, the decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan was not without controversy. As the suspension was enforced, the Kogi Central lawmaker made a defiant statement, vowing that “this injustice would not be sustained.”

 Before leaving the Senate chamber, she was escorted out by the Sergeant-At-Arms, marking the conclusion of her participation in legislative proceedings for the next six months.

Moreover, the Senate also left the door open for a possible reduction or lifting of the suspension.

If Akpoti-Uduaghan offers a formal written apology, the suspension could be revisited.

This condition suggests that the Senate is offering her an opportunity to rectify her actions, should she choose to do so.