Indications have surfaced pointing to deep divisions among Senators over the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central).
There have been concerns raised regarding the rush with which the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imaseun (LP, Edo South), handled the case.
Many Senators, including senior members, were absent due to a tax reform retreat hosted by the Senate Committee on Finance, yet the hearing proceeded unexpectedly.
A senior Senator, speaking anonymously, revealed that the hearing had originally been set for Tuesday, March 11, but was suddenly moved up. “It was a rushed assignment. Why the hurry? Why didn’t the committee wait? The absence of senior Senators from the process indicates where this was headed,” he said. He also questioned why the probe continued despite a court order halting the investigation, stating, “We are lawmakers, and we must follow due process. This is why thirteen of us chose not to participate or sign the report.”
On Thursday, the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for violating the Senate Standing Rules 2023 (as amended). The suspension followed her protest on February 20 against Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s decision to reassign her seat. The Senate ruled that she had brought both the presiding officer and the chamber into disrepute.
As part of her suspension, she is banned from all legislative activities for six months, her office will remain locked, and she must return all Senate property. Her salaries and allowances have been suspended, and her security details withdrawn. She is also prohibited from entering the National Assembly.
Initially, the committee’s report suggested halting the salaries of her legislative aides. However, a motion by former Chief Whip Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North), seconded by Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North), ensured that the aides continue receiving their salaries.
Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) had requested the suspension be reduced to three months, but his appeal was rejected.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension resulted from a heated altercation on the Senate floor after she discovered her seat had been reassigned and her nameplate removed. She demanded an explanation, which led to an intense standoff during plenary.
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