Senate Suspends Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for Six Months

Senate Suspends Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for Six Months

The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) for six months over alleged misconduct deemed inappropriate for a lawmaker. This decision comes just two weeks after she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment and victimization…..READ MORE

During Thursday’s plenary, the Senate adopted the recommendations of its Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South). The committee’s report cited Natasha’s actions as a violation of the Senate’s Standing Rules 2023 (as amended), stating that she had brought the Senate and its leadership into public disrepute.

As part of the suspension, which takes effect from March 6, 2025, Senator Natasha is barred from all legislative activities, and her office will be locked for the duration. Additionally, she is required to return all Senate property in her possession and is prohibited from presenting herself as a senator both locally and internationally.

However, the Senate has offered to reduce the suspension to three months if she issues a formal apology. Following interventions by Senators Orji Uzor Kalu and Ned Nwoko, the Senate also withdrew its initial decision to withhold salaries and allowances from her legislative aides, though Natasha herself will not receive any benefits during the suspension.

The committee further accused her of causing disruption during a plenary session by refusing to move to her reassigned seat, violating Senate rules. In protest, she alleged that the Senate President was targeting her due to her refusal of his advances and for pushing for a probe into corruption at Ajaokuta Steel Company.

Meanwhile, former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has condemned the Senate’s decision, accusing lawmakers of abusing their power. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she described Natasha as a victim of bullying, praising her resilience and urging Nigerians to stand with her in seeking justice.