Senate committee recommends Natasha for six-month suspension

The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petition has declared Kogi lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, guilty of misconduct and has recommended her for six months suspension from the Senate.

This was tendered at the Senate’s plenary on Thursday by the Committee’s Chairman, Neda Imasuen.

The committee also recommended the stoppage of the lawmaker’s salary and withdrawal of her security details.

Natasha had, on the 20th of February, clashed with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over sitting arrangement.

The Senate thereafter referred her to the committee for disciplinary action over her conduct.

However, she failed to appear before the Committee on Wednesday.

The committee proceeded with the hearing of her case, and Imasuen tendered seven recommendations as concluded by the Committee before the Senate.

He read, “The Committee recommends as follows: That the Senate do suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for her total violation of the Senate’s standing rules, 2023 as amended and for bringing the presiding officer and the Senate into public opprobrium.

“Two, for the Senate to consider lifting the suspension or to reduce the tenure of suspension, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan shall submit a written apology to the Senate before the reconsideration by the Senate.

”Three, that the Senate do suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from all legislative activities.

“Four, that her office be locked up for the duration of her suspension and hand over all Senate properties in her possession to the Clerk of the National Assembly.

“Five, that for the duration of her suspension, she cannot come close or be seen within the facility of the National Assembly- including her staff.

“Six, that salaries and allowances, including aides’ be suspended and withdrawal of all security details during the duration of her suspension.

“Seven, that for the period of her suspension should be barred from representing herself to the public locally or internationally as Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The Senate is scheduled to debate the committee’s report, with discussions focusing on potential amendments before a final decision is reached.

Meanwhile, minority leader, Senator Abba Moro from Benue South (PDP) urged that the suspension be reduced to three months which he believes is more than enough to put things in order.