Why 13 Senators did not sign Natasha’s suspension report

The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) for six months has sparked a division among Senators, particularly over the handling of her case.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension stems from her protest against the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on February 20.

This protest, deemed as bringing the presiding officer and the chamber into disrepute, led to her sanction by the Senate.

However, the process and the subsequent suspension have raised concerns regarding fairness, transparency, and adherence to due process, with a number of people and Senators openly expressing their disagreement with how the matter was handled.

One of the key points of contention revolves around the hurried nature of the investigation and suspension.

Many Senators, including ranking members, were absent during the committee’s review due to a tax reform retreat organized by the Senate Committee on Finance. 

Despite this, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, led by Senator Neda Imaseun (LP, Edo South), moved forward with the hearing ahead of the initially scheduled date of March 11.

This abrupt rescheduling led to growing concerns among some Senators who felt the case was being rushed without proper consideration.

A ranking Senator, speaking anonymously, voiced their frustration with the situation. “It was a rushed assignment. Why the hurry? Why didn’t the committee wait?” the Senator questioned, further noting the absence of key Senators from the process as an indicator that many already knew the outcome.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension is a significant issue that has exposed deep divisions within the Senate.