Senate Ethics Committee recommends a six-month suspension for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for violating Senate rules and disrespecting the institution
The Senate Committee on Ethics has recommended a six-month suspension for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan after she was found to have violated Senate rules.
The recommendation, made public on Thursday, also included a call for the Kogi Central senator to apologise to the Senate for “disrespecting the institution.”
Furthermore, the committee proposed that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s salary and security details be withdrawn for the duration of her suspension.
The controversy surrounding Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan began when she resubmitted a sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
This time, the petition was on behalf of her constituents, led by Zubairu Yakubu. After confirming there were no legal obstacles to the petition, Senate President Akpabio allowed Akpoti-Uduaghan to formally present the complaint to the Senate at 12:38 pm.
The petition was then referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), with instructions to report back within four weeks.
The situation escalated when a similar petition was submitted by Akpoti-Uduaghan the previous day, leading to further controversy. Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North), raised a point of order, citing Senate Standing Order 40.
He argued that the matter was sub judice due to an ongoing court case between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Ekaette Akpabio, the wife of Senate President Akpabio.
Monguno further contended that the petition should not be considered as Akpoti-Uduaghan had personally signed it, which raised concerns about potential bias.
Following the developments, the Senate Ethics Committee recommended a six-month suspension for Akpoti-Uduaghan. In addition to the suspension, the committee suggested that Akpoti-Uduaghan issue a formal apology to the Senate for her actions.
The committee also recommended the withdrawal of her salary and security details throughout the suspension period, a punitive measure designed to reinforce Senate rules and uphold institutional respect.
The Senate is expected to deliberate on the committee’s recommendations in the coming days, with the final decision on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension pending approval from the full Senate.
This move is set to add to the ongoing debates surrounding the integrity of Senate procedures and the handling of petitions within the institution.
