The senate has suspended Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, lawmaker representing Kogi central, for six months.
The decision followed the adoption of the report by the committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions,
The committee, headed by Neda Imaseun, presented the panel’s report during plenary on Thursday.
On Wednesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan ignored the committee’s invitation probing the altercation she had with Senate President Godswill Akpabio in February.
The senate approved the committee’s recommendation that Akpoti-Uduaghan should be suspended from all legislative activities effective immediately.
The red chamber also approved that her office should be locked, and she must hand over all senate properties in her possession to the clerk of the national assembly for the duration of the suspension.
The upper legislative chamber ruled that neither the senator nor her staff should be seen within the national assembly premises during the suspension period.
The committee recommended that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s salaries, allowances, and those of her legislative aides should be suspended, along with the withdrawal of all security detail for the duration of the suspension.
However, Orji Kalu, senator representing Abia north, moved an amendment that the salaries of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legislative aides should not be suspended. The prayer was adopted.
Abba Moro pleaded for leniency and a reduction in the recommended six months for suspension.
He said, “We plead that while implementing these recommendations, which are likely to be approved by the Senate, the 6-month suspension for Senator Natasha is reduced to 3 months, if convenient for the Senate and Mr. President. Three months is sufficient for some level of restitution.”
Akpabio has consistently denied any misconduct, emphasizing his respect for women and refuting the claims as unfounded.
