Senate panel recommends 6-month suspension for Natasha Akpoti

The senate committee on public conduct, ethics, privileges, and public petitions has recommended the suspension of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, lawmaker representing Kogi central, for six months.

Speaking at the plenary on Thursday, Neda Imaseun, chairman of the committee, said the panel’s report followed an investigation that found her in “total” violation of senate rules.

The panel also recommended locking her office, barring her from the national assembly during suspension, and withdrawing her salary and that of her legislative aides.

“That the Senate do suspend Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for her total violation of the Senate Standing Rules 2023 as amended for bringing the President, the Presiding Officer, and the entire Senate in general to public app…,” Imaseun said.

“That for the Senate to consider lifting the suspension or to reduce the term of suspension, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan shall submit a written apology to the Senate before the reconsideration by the Senate.

“The Senate do suspend Senator with effect from 6 March 2025 from all legislative activities forethought.

“Her office be locked up for the duration of her suspension and hand over all Senate properties in her possession to the Clerk of the National Assembly.

“That for the duration of her suspension she cannot come close, or be seen within the vicinity of the National Assembly, including her staff.

“That her salaries and allowances, including those of her legislative aides, be suspended and withdrawal of all security detail for the duration of her suspension.

“For the period of her suspension, she be barred from representing herself to the public locally and internationally as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The controversy began when Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office.

On Wednesday, the senate panel rejected the sexual harassment petition submitted by Akpoti-Uduaghan against Akpabio, citing due process breaches and legal limitations.

The panel, which described the petition as “dead on arrival”, said the Kogi senator personally signed the document instead of securing another person’s endorsement, rendering it “invalid”.