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The Senate is considering a 6- months suspension for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
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A debate on the committee’s report for suspension is currently ongoing with lawmakers expressing different opinions on the issue.
The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, Public Petitions and Code of Conduct has recommended a six-month suspension for Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over alleged misconduct.
The investigations contained in the report presented to the committee cited total violation of Senate rules.
This decision reached a plenary session was announced on Thursday by the Chairman of the Senate, Senator Neda Imasuen, who read the committee’s report.
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The Senate committee recommended that Senator Natasha should be placed on a 6- months suspension effective from March 6, 2025.
READ ALSO: Akpabio Sexual Harassment Allegations: Coalition Accuses Akpoti-uduaghan Of Political Smear Campaign
This comes amid Senator Natasha’s allegation that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio sexually harassed her in his house and at his office.
However, since no legal evidence has been tendered to back up the claim of Senator Natasha in court but rather a social exposure revealed in an interview with Arise TV, the senate said it will not probe the accused, senator Godswill Akpabio because there was no evidence.
Meanwhile, the committee reached this agreement to suspend the Senator because she refused to appear before the committee for a review of her conduct.
Also, her refusal to comply with the sitting arrangement made in the House by the Senate president fueled her case. Premium Times reported that Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat was relocated from her original position on the second-to-last row of the minority section to the last row without her consent.
She protested against the arrangement and insisted on remaining in her previous seat. This was seen as a violation of Senate rules; Section 6(1) of the Standing Rules, which grants the senate president the authority to reassign seats when necessary.
Senator Natasha will not just be suspended by the committee, the decision imposed that her office will be locked. Also, she will be prohibited from accessing the National Assembly premises during the suspension period and her salaries including those of her legislative aides will be withdrawn.
READ ALSO: Akpabio’s Wife Threatens Lawsuit Over Sexual Harassment Allegations
Our Sources within the Senate confirmed that this decision was backed up by a majority of the lawmakers who condemned her actions.
However, the decision is yet to be finalized. As the issue unfolds, the next action from Natasha is anticipated, including whether she will appeal against the decision of the committee or otherwise.
Earlier today, Natasha hinted at the plan by the senate to suspend her. She said, “I know that right now they are planning my suspension. If I’m suspended, fine. It will not stop me from doing my work wherever I can. I have several projects in line, and I will keep serving my people. I’ll keep being a voice, and I will keep being loved by the citizens.”
Currently, this development has sparked reactions from various quarters, with some lawmakers and political analysts debating on the implications. Supporters argue that the measure upholds accountability within the legislative body, while critics question its fairness and timing.
