Senate Suspends Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Nigerian Senate has imposed a six-month suspension on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District. The decision follows a majority vote in favour of the recommendation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct.

During a plenary session, Akpoti-Uduaghan was not granted the chance to speak before Senate President Godswill Akpabio called for a vote.

The Senate also voted to reject any reconsideration of the suspension, unless the senator apologises or the six-month period expires.

As part of the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s office will be locked, and she will be prohibited from accessing the National Assembly premises. Her salary and that of her legislative aides will also be suspended for the duration of the suspension.

To challenge the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan must submit a written apology to the Senate, acknowledging her breach of its rules.

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Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro supported the report of the ethics committee, stating that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s conduct warranted disciplinary action.

He compared her actions to that of a child in need of correction, saying, “As Nigerians, we have a tradition; if you beat your child with the right hand, you draw that child with the left hand.”

The suspension stems from a dispute last week, when Akpoti-Uduaghan objected to the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Akpabio.

She arrived at the session to find her nameplate removed and her seat reassigned, which she criticised as an attempt to marginalise her within the Senate.