The Nigerian Senate is deliberating on a six-month suspension for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan after the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct accused her of breaching Senate regulations.
Presenting the findings, committee chairman Senator Neda Imasuen recommended that if approved, the suspension would take effect from March 6, 2025. The proposed penalties include sealing her office, restricting her access to the National Assembly, and freezing both her salary and that of her legislative aides. Furthermore, she would be barred from representing Nigeria in any official capacity during the suspension.
However, the committee indicated that she could seek a reconsideration by submitting a written apology.
The Senate is expected to vote on the recommendations soon. If passed, Akpoti-Uduaghan would lose all legislative privileges for the suspension period.
This development adds to the escalating tensions between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Their dispute, which initially stemmed from a seating arrangement disagreement, later led to allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio.
On Wednesday, the committee dismissed her petition accusing Akpabio of abuse of office, harassment, and interference in legislative duties. Senator Imasuen deemed the petition—endorsed by her constituents—as “dead on arrival.”
Despite the rejection, Akpoti-Uduaghan refiled the petition during Thursday’s plenary session. When asked whether the matter was already before a court, she responded in the negative. As a result, she was directed to resubmit the petition to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for further review. The committee has four weeks to investigate the claims and report back to the Senate.
