The Nigerian Senate has sparked widespread controversy after suspending Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, for six months. This drastic measure follows a heated dispute between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio over a seating arrangement.
The incident, as reported by TheNewsGuru, began when Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat was reassigned without notice, prompting her to invoke Order 10, which safeguards members’ privileges. Despite her objections, the Senate leadership insisted on the change, leading to a tense confrontation.
The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions recommended Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, citing several infractions on the Rules and Orders of the Senate. The committee also suggested that she apologize to the Senate for “disrespecting the Senate”.
Nigerians have taken to social media to express their opinions on the suspension. While some argue that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions were unbecoming of a senator, others believe that the suspension is unfair and disproportionate to the offense.
The controversy has also sparked debates about gender dynamics and respect within Nigeria’s legislative chambers. Some have criticized the handling of the situation, arguing that Akpoti-Uduaghan was not given a fair opportunity to present her concerns.
Here are the reactions:
@OnikoyiBankole wrote: “No single Nigerian senator supports her. No single senator from her party, the PDP supports her. No single senator from other opposition parties (LP, NNPP) supports her. No single FEMALE senator supports her. Koni Buru titi koma ku enikan moni, Natasha kii seyan re pinpin”
@hon_Asadiq said: “Is the court order from the FHC sitting in Abuja not in disposal of the @NigeriaSenate? A court order was issued to the hallowed chamber of not to take any disciplinary action against Senator Natasha, but this is Nigeria, and its leaders. Okay!”
@OlowoMayowa said: “It’s just laughable how these pple behave. In this case, the senate president in a correct society should have resign while all these was going on but in a dead society like Nigeria, the man sit down like lord over a case against him.. it’s de tasteful”
@IamEkiminiEsn wrote: “Why was Natasha Suspended? She went against the Senate rule on seating arrangement. What about her sexual abuse allegations? She has submitted a new petition to the Senate today after her yesterday’s petition was rejected”
@TOOKKSS_01 wrote: “Senate rules have to be followed. 1. The petition has to come from another senator ,in this case she brought it herself, serving the Senate president. 2. The Senate will not deliberate on issues that are in court. Main reasons the petition was rejected.”
@Sakanelli wrote: “So once any body makes an allegation against a SP, he should just resign even if there is no evidence. In that case we will have a new SP every week,since all it takes is to be accused of a crime.”
@Muissdeen wrote: “No investigation in regards to allegation,, nothing. Really? Even the Senate President should be suspended, but no, it’s Nigeria, where corruption and oppression is the order of the day. My thoughts.”
@roys_akhimie said: “Banana republic… I expect @channelstv to invite her and let her air her views as the shameless nass can’t take accountability seriously and trying their best to silence her… enough of all this charlatan coming to your show @seunokin“