The Senate is considering suspending Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months.
This decision follows an investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, which found her in complete violation of Senate regulations.
According to the committee’s recommendation, presented by its Chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen, Senator Natasha’s suspension will begin on March 6, 2025.
The committee also suggested that her office be sealed, that she be prohibited from entering the National Assembly premises during the suspension, and that her salary, along with that of her legislative aides, be withheld.
Additionally, the committee recommended that she be banned from representing Nigeria in any official capacity as one of the country’s senators while suspended. The Kogi Central legislator may be asked to submit a written apology for the Senate to consider reviewing her suspension.
The Senate is scheduled to vote on the recommendation, and if it is approved, it would strip Senator Natasha of all legislative privileges for the duration of her suspension.
Thursday’s decision marks the latest development in the ongoing conflict between Senator Natasha and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The dispute initially began over a seating arrangement issue but eventually escalated into allegations of sexual harassment by the former Kogi governorship candidate against Akpabio.
However, the same committee dismissed Senator Natasha’s petition on alleged abuse of office, sexual harassment, and obstruction of legislative duties.
Imasuen, who represents Edo South, described the petition as “dead on arrival” and stated that it would not be considered by the Senate. Her petition had been signed by her constituents.
Despite the dismissal, Senator Natasha resubmitted her petition during the plenary on Thursday. When asked if the issue was in court, she confirmed that it was not. She was then directed to resubmit the petition to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for investigation.
The committee is expected to investigate the matter over the next four weeks and report to the Senate.
