By Fatima Saka
In a disciplinary move over alleged misconduct, the Nigerian Senate on Thursday suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over the period of Six months, urging her to use the suspension period to familiarize herself with the rules governing the Senate.
The suspension followed a report presented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions Senator Neda B Imasuen, amended raised by Senator Adeyemi Raphael Adaramodu (Ekiti South), Citing Order 1(B) of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended), Adaramodu drew attention to an incident on February 20, 2025, when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan protested the reallocation of her seat in the Senate chamber.
He described her reaction and the public outcry that followed as unwarranted, emphasizing the need for the Senate to uphold its rules.
Others Terms of Suspensions:
The Senate adopted several recommendations from the Ethics Committee, which included:
A Written Apology: For any reconsideration of her suspension, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan must submit a written apology to the Senate.
Immediate Suspension: Effective from March 6, 2025, she is barred from all legislative activities.
Office Closure: Her office will remain locked, and all Senate property in her possession must be returned to the Clerk of the National Assembly.
Restricted Access: She and her staff are prohibited from entering the National Assembly premises during the suspension.
Loss of Privileges: Her salary, allowances, and security details will be withdrawn for the suspension period.
Public Representation Ban: She is barred from presenting herself as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, both locally and internationally.
Senate Debate on the Suspension
Before the final decision, Senate Majority Leader Abba Moro appealed for a reduction of the suspension from six months to three.
Senator Fadahunsi Francis Adenigba (PDP) emphasized the need to restore the Senate’s integrity, referencing ongoing tensions between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Senator Karimi Sunday Steve (Kogi West) supported the committee’s recommendations, arguing that disciplinary measures were necessary given the controversy surrounding the matter.
Senator Mohammed Muntari Dandutse (Katsina South) expressed concerns that the enforcement of Senate rules might create negative perceptions about the institution, if her suspension is not served.
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Majority Leader Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (APC) suggested that Akpoti-Uduaghan take the suspension as an opportunity to study Senate procedures.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) stressed that leadership requires responsibility, recalling an instance where her remarks on Channels Television embarrassed the Senate. He noted that an apology should not be seen as a sign of weakness but as an act of accountability.
Ethics Committee Report
Out of the 30 members of the Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions Committee, 19 endorsed the report recommending Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.
