The Senate Committee on Ethics has slammed a six months suspension on the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over the s*xual harassment allegation she brought against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
The latest development was disclosed today, Thursday, March 6, 2025, during plenary by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South).
The Committee stated that Natasha’s salary and security details would be withdrawn during the suspension period.
The committee also recommended that the Senator representing Kogi Central must issue a written apology for disrespecting the Senate.
The Senate Committee also dismissed Natasha Akpoti’s claims that Akpabio had been silencing her voice in the chamber, describing the allegations as frivolous.
This suspension was made after a majority vote, aligning with the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct.
Listed penalties by the Senate include:
- A six-month suspension from all legislative activities, effective March 6, 2025.
- Immediate surrender of all Senate properties in her possession.
- A directive that she must not be present anywhere near the legislative chamber during the suspension period.
During the plenary session, Akpoti-Uduaghan was denied the opportunity to speak before Senate President Godswill Akpabio called for a vote.
The Senate also voted against reconsidering the suspension until the six-month period elapses or Akpoti-Uduaghan apologizes.
As part of the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s office will be locked, and she will be barred from accessing the National Assembly’s premises.
Her salaries and those of her legislative aides will also be suspended during this period.
To appeal the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan must submit a written apology to the Senate for violating its rules.
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro endorsed the ethics committee report, stating that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions warranted disciplinary action, likening her to “a child” who needs correction.
He said, “As Nigerians, we have a tradition; if you beat your child with the right hand, you draw that child with the left hand.”
Prior to the penalty, a heated confrontation ensued in the Senate last Thursday when Akpoti-Uduaghan protested the reassignment of her seat by Akpabio.
She arrived at the session to find her nameplate removed and her seat reassigned, prompting her to demand an explanation for what she viewed as an unjustified move.