Senate clamps six-month suspension without salary on sexually harassed Senator Natasha even without hearing from her
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has received a six-month suspension from the Nigerian Senate.
This decision was made after a majority vote, aligning with the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Condvote
During the plenary session, Akpoti-Uduaghan was denied the opportunity to speak before Senate President Godswill Akpabio called for a vote.
The Senate also voted against reconsidering the suspension until the six-month period expires or Akpoti-Uduaghan tenders an apperiod
As part of the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s office will be locked, and she will be barred from accessing the National Assembly’s premises.
Her salaries and those of her legislative aides will also be suspended during this period.
To appeal the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan must submit a written apology to the Senate for violating its rules.
Senate Minority Leader Abba More endorsed the ethics committee report, stating that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions warranted disciplinary action, likening her to “a child” who needs correction.
He said, “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 follows a contentious exchange in the Senate last week, where Akpoti-Uduaghan objected to the reassignment of her seat by Akpabio.
She had arrived at the session to find her nameplate removed and her seat reassigned, prompting her to challenge the move and accuse the Senate leadership of marginalizing her voice.
