Senate slams six months suspension on Senator Natasha over misconduct

Stanley Ihedigbo

In a landmark decision, the Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, for six months due to her alleged violation of Senate rules.

The suspension, effective from March 6, 2025, follows recommendations from the Senate Committee on Public Conduct, Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, which found her in “total violation” of Senate rules.

The controversy began on February 20, 2025, during a plenary session when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan refused to move to her newly assigned seat and engaged in a heated exchange with the Senate leadership for allegedly attempting to silence her. The altercation disrupted proceedings and drew widespread media attention.

In response to the incident, the Senate unanimously voted to refer her conduct to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for review. The committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imaseun, was tasked with investigating the matter and reporting back within two weeks.

The committee’s investigation concluded that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions constituted a “total violation” of the Senate Standing Rules 2023, bringing the Senate’s leadership and the institution into disrepute. Consequently, the committee recommended a six-month suspension, during which her office would be sealed, and her salary withheld.

Additionally, she is barred from accessing the National Assembly premises throughout the suspension period.

The committee also stipulated that for the Senate to consider lifting or reducing the suspension, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan must submit a written apology to the Senate.

Before the suspension, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan asserted that the reassignment of her seat was an attempt to silence her and limit her visibility during legislative proceedings, yet when she took her seat Wednesday and Thursday she was quite visible.

The suspension underscores the Senate’s commitment to maintaining decorum and adherence to its rules. It also highlights the challenges faced by the Senate CT in navigating internal legislative dynamics and the potential repercussions of actions perceived as disruptive to parliamentary proceedings.