Senate Panel Recommends Six-Month Suspension for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Senate Committee on Public Conduct, Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions has recommended the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, for six months over alleged violations of Senate rules.

The committee’s chairman, Senator Neda Imaseun, presented the findings during Thursday’s plenary, stating that the lawmaker had been found in “total” violation of the Senate Standing Rules.

As part of the proposed disciplinary action, the committee also recommended that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s office be locked, her access to the National Assembly be revoked, and her salary—along with those of her legislative aides—be withheld for the duration of the suspension.

“For the Senate to consider lifting or reducing the suspension, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan must submit a written apology,” Imaseun said. “Until then, she will be barred from all legislative activities starting March 6, 2025.”

In addition to her suspension, the panel proposed strict measures, including:

Locking her office and repossessing all Senate property in her possession, Banning her from entering the National Assembly premises. Suspending her salaries, allowances, and those of her legislative aides. Withdrawing her security detail. Prohibiting her from publicly or internationally representing herself as a Nigerian senator.

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The disciplinary action comes amid a heated controversy involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office, allegations that have stirred political tensions.

However, the Senate panel dismissed her petition on Wednesday, citing procedural flaws. The committee ruled that her complaint was “dead on arrival” because she signed the document instead of securing a third-party endorsement, which they claimed invalidated her submission.

As the Senate moves forward with its decision, the suspension threatens to deepen political rifts within the chamber, with supporters of Akpoti-Uduaghan calling the sanctions an attempt to silence dissenting voices.