Sharp divisions have emerged in the Senate over the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), with 13 senators refusing to sign the report leading to her suspension.
Concerns have been raised over the swift handling of the case by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imaseun (LP, Edo South).
Many lawmakers, including senior-ranking senators, were absent due to a tax reform retreat organized by the Senate Committee on Finance, yet the hearing was unexpectedly moved forward.
A ranking senator, speaking anonymously, disclosed that the hearing was initially scheduled for Tuesday, March 11, but was suddenly rescheduled.
“It was a rushed assignment. Why the hurry? Why didn’t the committee wait? The absence of ranking senators from the process shows we knew where it was heading,” he said.
He further questioned why the probe continued despite a court injunction halting the investigation.
“We are lawmakers, and we must follow due process. This was why thirteen of us refused to participate or sign the report.”
The Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan on Thursday, citing a violation of the Senate Standing Rules 2023 (as amended).
The decision came after she protested the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on February 20, leading to allegations that she brought the presiding officer and the chamber into disrepute.
As part of her suspension, she is barred from all legislative activities for six months. Her office will remain locked, she must return all Senate property, and her salaries and allowances have been suspended.
Security details assigned to her have also been withdrawn, and she is prohibited from entering the National Assembly premises.
The committee’s report initially recommended suspending salaries for her legislative aides, but a motion by former Chief Whip Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North), seconded by Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North), ensured they continued receiving payments.
Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) had pleaded for her suspension to be reduced to three months, but his request was denied.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension stemmed from a heated confrontation in the Senate chamber after discovering her seat had been reassigned and her nameplate removed.
She demanded an explanation, leading to an intense standoff during plenary.
The Senate has offered to reconsider her suspension if she submits a written apology.
