Just-In: Senate c’ttee recommends six-month suspension for Senator Natasha

The Senate is considering a six-month suspension for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following a report from the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, which found her guilty of breaching Senate rules.

The committee, led by Senator Neda Imasuen, has recommended that the suspension take effect from March 6, 2025.

Under the recommendation, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s office will be closed, and she will be banned from entering the National Assembly during her suspension.

Additionally, her salary and those of her legislative aides will be withheld, and she will be barred from representing Nigeria in any official capacity as a senator.

The committee also suggested that she may be allowed to submit a written apology for the Senate to consider when reviewing her suspension.

The final decision will be made following a vote in the Senate, which could result in Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan losing all legislative privileges for the duration of her suspension.

Meanwhile, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has brought forward a new petition, signed by her constituents, accusing Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment.

During a Senate session on Thursday, she was asked whether the matter was before any court, to which she responded that it was not.

Following the standard procedure, the petition was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for further investigation.

The committee has been given four weeks to complete the investigation and report back to the Senate.

This is the second time Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has raised this allegation in the Senate. A previous petition was dismissed on Wednesday due to procedural issues.