Following recommendations by its Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, the Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a PDP Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Senator Natasha was suspended for a period of six (6) on Thursday after the recommendations of the committee were put to a voice vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
She was also asked not to be seen near the National Assembly (NASS); that her office be locked up for the duration of her suspension, and that she hands over all Senate’s properties in possession to the Clerk of the NASS.
Presenting the recommendation, Chairman of the Committee, Senator Neda Imaseun said:
“That the Senate do suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six (6) for her total violation of the Senate standing rules 2023 as amended, for bringing the presiding officer and the Senate in general to public opprobrium.
“That for the Senate to consider lifting the suspension, or to reduce the tenor of suspension, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan shall submit a written apology to the Senate before the reconsideration by the Senate.
“That the Senate do suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan with effect from 6th March 2025 from all legislative activities forthwith.
“That her office be locked up for the duration of her suspension and handover all Senate’s properties in possession to the Clerk of the National Assembly.
“That for the duration of her suspension, she cannot come close, come or be seen within the vicinity of the National Assembly, including her staff.
“That her salaries and allowances, including those of her legislative aides, be suspended and withdrawal of all security details for the duration of her suspension.
“That for the period of her suspension, she be barred from representing herself to the public, locally and internationally, as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“In conclusion, Mr President and my most distinguished and respected colleagues, on behalf of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, we appreciate the Senate President, distinguished colleagues for the opportunity granted us to serve Nigerians through the Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions.
“Respectfully submitted for consideration and approval”.
After submitting the recommendations, Senator Akpabio put the prayers into voice vote and they were all granted by the Senate.
However, the Senate amended the recommendation of the Committee to spare the salaries and allowances of Senator Natasha’s legislative aides.