Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has called for empathy towards the aides of the suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti, urged the senate not to withheld their salaries and wages.
Kalu during the plenary session, proposed an amendment to the committee’s recommendations, which initially included a provision to suspend the salaries of Akpoti’s staff. He argued that the aides attached to Senator Natasha Akpoti are employees of the National Assembly (NASS), and they should not suffer the consequences of their principal’s suspension.
Senator Kalu further stated the financial implications that such decision would have on the affected staff and their families.
“We cannot punish the aides of Senator Natasha for an offence they did not commit. They are staff of the National Assembly and have no other means of livelihood apart from their salaries. It would be unjust for us, as a Senate, to deny them and their families their earnings.”
“I move that we amend that section and allow them to receive their salaries.”
The appeal, signed by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District, highlights his stance on ensuring fairness in the Senate’s disciplinary actions.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the Senate will heed Kalu’s plea and revise its decision regarding the aides’ salaries
