Senate suspends Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghen for six months, salary, security details withdrawn

The Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghen for six months over her recent conduct at the Senate.

This followed report and recommendations from the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, which cited her for total violation of Senate rules.

According to the committee’s recommendation read by its chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen, Senator Natasha’s suspension will take effect from March 6, 2025.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s ordeal follows a heated confrontation in the Senate, where she protested the reassignment of her seat by Akpabio. She arrived at a plenary session to find her nameplate removed and her seat reassigned, which she argued was an attempt to silence her.

Her suspension was put to a vote after she was denied the opportunity to speak, with the majority siding with the Ethics Committee’s report.

Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro supported the committee’s recommendation, stating that her actions warranted disciplinary action. He likened the move to “correcting a child,” referencing Nigerian cultural norms.

To appeal the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan must submit a written apology to the Senate for allegedly violating its rules.