By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, for six months following a majority vote in favour of the recommendations by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct.
The Senate also ruled out any reconsideration of the suspension until the six-month period expires or until Akpoti-Uduaghan tenders a formal apology.
As part of the suspension handed down on Thursday, her office will be locked, and she will be barred from accessing the National Assembly premises.
Furthermore, her salaries, along with those of her legislative aides, will also be withheld throughout the suspension.
To appeal the decision, she must submit a written apology for violating Senate rules.
Speaking on the floor of the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly, Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro supported the ethics committee report, asserting that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions warranted disciplinary measures.
He likened her situation to that of a child in need of correction, stating, “As Nigerians, we have a tradition; if you beat your child with the right hand, you draw that child with the left hand.”
The controversy stems from a heated confrontation in the Senate last week when Akpoti-Uduaghan protested the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Upon arriving at the session, she discovered that her nameplate had been removed and her seat reassigned, prompting her to challenge the decision and accuse the Senate leadership of attempting to silence her and render her invisible.
