An attempt by the Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro (Benue South) to have the suspension period reduced to three months was rejected.
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – The Senate has suspended Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) for six months over alleged violations of its standing rules, accusing her of bringing the Senate and its leadership into disrepute.
The suspension, effective March 6, 2025, bars her from all legislative activities, with her office sealed and her security aides withdrawn.
However, her staff would continue receiving salaries.
The Senate stated that the suspension could be lifted if she tenders a written apology.
The decision followed the adoption of a report from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, which investigated a petition by Senate spokesperson Sen. Adeyemi Adaramodu (Ekiti South).
The report found that Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan refused to relocate to her newly assigned seat, insisted on speaking from an unauthorised seat, and disrupted proceedings, violating multiple standing orders.
The committee also noted that she ignored invitations to defend herself at its sitting.
Chairman of the committee, Sen. Neda Imasuen (Edo South), speaking on the findings, said her conduct was “unethical and unbecoming of a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The report also dismissed her claims that Senate President Godswill Akpabio was frustrating her legislative efforts, citing evidence that her motions and bills were being considered.
During the debate, several senators ccriticised er actions. Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo South) stated, “If we can’t make rules for ourselves and obey them, we’ll have issues with the public.”
In his contribution, Sen. Asuquo Ekpeyong (Cross River South) condemned her for “shouting and screaming in front of an audience, even with school children in the gallery.”
An attempt by the Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro (Benue South) to have the suspension period reduced to three months was rejected as Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) clarified that the suspension was not about gender, party, or state, stating, “This is a collective decision to maintain discipline in the Senate.”
Immediately after the resolution was adopted, Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan declared, “This injustice will not be sustained. The pursuit of justice continues,” before the sergeant-at-arms turned off her microphone and escorted her out of the chamber.
Earlier in the day, the Senate had reprimanded her for repeatedly refusing to stand when the Senate President entered the chamber, a breach of Order 55(1) of the Senate Standing Orders. Chief Whip Sen. Mongunu cautioned, “If she stands up, it is not for the person but for the institution of the Senate.”