The Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, for a period of six months over allegations of misconduct and failure to comply with a committee investigation.
The decision was reached on Thursday following the adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
The committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, had investigated Akpoti-Uduaghan over claims she made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, including allegations of sexual harassment and obstruction of her legislative motions.
During the plenary session, Imasuen stated, “The committee found Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of the allegations due to her refusal to appear before the panel despite multiple invitations.”
The controversy began after Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of preventing her from raising motions related to the Ajaokuta Steel Company and claimed he had referred to her as a “nightclub girl” during a Senate session. Akpabio later apologized for the remark but strongly denied any misconduct.
The committee’s report recommended not only the six-month suspension but also the withdrawal of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s salary and security details during the period. Additionally, she was advised to issue a formal apology to the Senate.
As a result of the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan will be barred from accessing the National Assembly premises, and her office will remain locked for the duration.
During the deliberation, Senator Abba Moro appealed for leniency, suggesting that the suspension period be reduced to three months.
“We plead that while implementing these recommendations, the six-month suspension for Senator Natasha is reduced to three months if convenient for the Senate and Mr. President. Three months is sufficient for some level of restitution,” he said.
