The Nigerian Senate has purportedly suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, on a recommendation from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, despite a court order barring it from deliberating on the matter.
The hasty proceedings at the Ethics Committe, which raises suspicion of bias, comes amid the sexual harassment allegation she levied against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
As part of the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s salary and security details will be withdrawn, and she will be barred from accessing the National Assembly premises.
Her office will also be locked, and her legislative aides will not receive their salaries during this period.
The Senate further ruled out reconsidering her suspension until the six-month term ends or she submits a formal apology.
Her suspension followed a vote after she was denied the opportunity to speak, with the majority in favour of 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.
Recall that a Federal High Court in Abuja had restrained the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from conducting a disciplinary hearing in the feud between the Senator representing Kogi Central and Akpabio.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu, gave the order on Tuesday following an ex parte application filed by Natasha’s counsel.
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