Breaking: Senate suspends Natasha for 6-month, seals office

The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, for six months following a majority vote on Thursday.

The suspension came after the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct submitted its report, recommending disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan for allegedly violating Senate rules.

During the plenary session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio denied Akpoti-Uduaghan an opportunity to defend herself before proceeding with a vote. The lawmakers also resolved that the suspension would not be reconsidered unless she tenders a formal apology.

Senator Neda Imasuen, chairman of the Ethics Committee, outlined the consequences of the suspension, stating that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s office would be locked, and she would be barred from accessing the National Assembly premises. Additionally, her salaries and those of her legislative aides will be withheld for the duration of the suspension.

For her suspension to be lifted, the Senate mandated that she submit a written apology.

Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), backed the committee’s recommendation. While addressing the chamber, he likened the decision to disciplining a child, 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 decision has raised many unanswered questions, with critics questioning whether due process was followed in handling the matter.