Senate Committee Recommends Six-Month Suspension For Natasha

THE Senate is considering the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months.

This follows investigations from the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, which cited her for total violation of Senate rules.

According to the committee’s recommendation read by its Chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen, her suspension will take effect from March 6, 2025.

It also recommended that her office will be locked, and she will be barred from accessing the National Assembly premises during the suspension period, her salaries and those of her legislative aides will be withdrawn.

She will be prohibited from representing Nigeria in any official capacity as a senator of the Federal Republic during the suspension. The Kogi Central lawmaker may also submit a written apology for the Senate to review her suspension, according to recommendations by the committee.

The Senate is expected to vote on the recommendation, which, if upheld would effectively strip Senator Natasha of all legislative privileges for the duration of her suspension.

This is coming as Senator Natasha has once again brought before the Senate a petition alleging sexual harassment from Akpabio. But this time, it was signed by her constituents.

During the plenary on Thursday, Senator Natasha was asked whether the matter was already before any court of law. But she said it was not.

Following protocol, the lawmaker was directed to formally submit the petition, after which it was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for investigation.

The committee has been given four weeks to conduct its probe and report to the Senate.