Senator Natasha

By Azimazi Momoh Jimoh and John Akubo, Abuja

In a dramatic session at the National Assembly, the Nigerian Senate has officially suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from all legislative activities, effective March 6, 2025, for six months.

The suspension followed a report submitted by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, Senator Imasuen Neda Bernards (Edo South). The report, presented to the Committee of the Whole, cited multiple infractions against the Rules and Orders of the Senate.

According to Senator Neda, the committee conducted an investigative hearing on Wednesday, during which Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was given the opportunity to present her defense. Testimonies were taken to verify the allegations against her in line with the committee’s mandate.

The report highlighted that on February 20, 2025, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan caused a rowdy session in the Senate by rejecting an assigned seat and engaging in a shouting match, violating Senate procedures.

Senator Raphael Adeyemi Adaramodu, who had petitioned against her, testified before the committee to substantiate the claims.

The decision was reached after extensive deliberations, with the Senate demanding that the senator submit a written apology before any reconsideration of her suspension.

During the session, Senate officials repeatedly stressed the requirement for an apology.

“For the Senate to consider lifting the suspension or reducing its duration, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan shall submit a written apology to the Senate before any reconsideration,” the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, stated before putting the matter to a vote.

The Senate resolved that the suspension would remain in place unless the senator issued a formal written apology. The motion was put to a vote, and the majority supported the measure.

The Senate ruled that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan must vacate her office for the duration of her suspension and return all official properties to the Clerk of the National Assembly.

She and her staff were barred from entering the National Assembly premises while the suspension remains in effect.

The senator’s salaries, allowances, and other entitlements were also suspended. However, a debate ensued regarding whether her aides should continue receiving their allowances.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu argued that the aides should not suffer for the senator’s actions, noting that many had families to support in Abuja.

After deliberation, the Senate agreed that while the aides could not access the premises, their salaries should not be withheld.

Natasha, who spoke even before her microphone was muted, said the injustice would not stand.

During the debate, several senators expressed concerns about maintaining the Senate’s integrity.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim Folorunsho (Ondo South) emphasized the importance of protecting the Senate as an institution, stating that enforcing discipline is crucial to upholding its credibility.

Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno stressed the need for adherence to regulations, stating, “It is only in the animal kingdom that there are no rules and regulations.”

Senator Bassey Aniekun Etim recalled witnessing the incident firsthand and expressed disappointment at the disruption caused in the chamber.

Minority Leader Abba Moro, speaking on behalf of PDP Senators, appealed for leniency, proposing a three-month suspension instead. He urged colleagues to consider the public perception of the Senate.

After contributions from various senators, Senate President Godswill Akpabio ruled in favor of a six-month suspension through a voice vote.

He acknowledged his personal relationship with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and her husband but maintained that the Senate must uphold its rules.

The decision underscored the Senate’s stance on discipline and order, reinforcing the importance of adhering to legislative procedures.