Senate Proposes Six-Month Suspension for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Nigerian Senate is on the verge of suspending Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, for a period of six months.

This development stems from a recommendation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, which concluded its investigation into the lawmaker’s conduct.

The committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen (Edo South), accused Senator Natasha of a “total violation of Senate rules,” prompting the call for her suspension, set to commence on March 6, 2025, pending a Senate vote.

The proposed suspension carries significant consequences. If approved, Senator Natasha’s office will be locked, barring her from accessing the National Assembly premises.

Additionally, her salaries and those of her legislative aides will be withheld throughout the six-month period.

The committee further recommended that she be prohibited from representing Nigeria in any official capacity as a senator during this time, effectively stripping her of all legislative privileges.

Stringent Conditions and Apology Clause

In its detailed report, the committee outlined strict measures to enforce the suspension. Beyond locking her office and cutting financial support, it suggested that Senator Natasha may seek a review of her punishment by submitting a written apology to the Senate.

This provision offers a potential pathway for the Kogi Central lawmaker to mitigate the suspension, though it hinges on the Senate’s discretion following her submission.

The recommendation, read by Senator Imasuen during plenary, awaits a full vote by the Red Chamber to take effect.

Roots of the Conflict: A Dispute with Senate President Akpabio

The push for Senator Natasha’s suspension marks the latest chapter in an ongoing feud with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The conflict initially erupted over a seemingly trivial matter, a disagreement regarding seating arrangements in the Senate.

However, it quickly escalated into a more serious confrontation. Senator Natasha, a former Kogi governorship candidate, accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, abuse of office, and obstructing her legislative duties. Allegations that have fueled tensions between the two.

The dispute took a formal turn when Senator Natasha, backed by a petition signed by her constituents, sought redress through the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct. However, on Wednesday, the same committee dismissed her claims as baseless, with Chairman Imasuen declaring the petition “dead on arrival” and unfit for consideration by the Senate.

Natasha’s Persistence and Committee’s Reversal

Undeterred by the dismissal, Senator Natasha resubmitted her petition during Thursday’s plenary session. When questioned by the Senate leadership about whether the matter was under litigation, she confirmed it was not, clearing the way for further review.

The Senate directed the Ethics Committee to investigate her allegations anew, granting it four weeks to probe the claims and report back. This decision contrasts sharply with the committee’s simultaneous recommendation to suspend her, highlighting the complex and contentious nature of the dispute.

Allegations Dismissed, Yet Suspension Looms

The committee’s rejection of Senator Natasha’s petition on Wednesday did little to quell the controversy. Imasuen’s description of her claims as unworthy of consideration underscored the panel’s initial stance.

Yet, the swift move to recommend her suspension the following day suggests deeper underlying issues. The committee’s report cited her breach of Senate rules as the basis for the punitive action, though specifics of the violations remain undisclosed in the public domain.

Implications for Senator Natasha and the Senate

Should the Senate uphold the committee’s recommendation, Senator Natasha’s suspension would mark a significant setback for the Kogi Central lawmaker.

Stripped of her legislative privileges, she would be sidelined from participating in Senate proceedings and representing her constituents at a national level until at least September 2025.

The withdrawal of salaries for both her and her aides could further strain her political operations during this period.

Thursday’s developments underscore the intensity of the rift between Senator Natasha and Senate President Akpabio, raising questions about governance, accountability, and gender dynamics within Nigeria’s legislative body.

As the Senate prepares to vote on the suspension and the Ethics Committee embarks on its fresh investigation, all eyes will be on the Red Chamber to see how this high-stakes political drama unfolds.

Subscribe to Notifications