The Senate on Thursday suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi) following the recommendations of its Committee over “total violation of the Senate Standing Rules 2023 as amended”.
Her suspension followed the presentation of the report of the Red Chamber Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions’ led by its Chairman, Sen. Neda Imaseun during plenary.
The report contained seven recommendations that was deliberated upon by the Senate.
The recommendations are: “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”.
But upon submitting the recommendations, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio put the prayers into voice vote and they were all granted by the Upper Chamber.
But, the Senate amended the recommendation of the Committee to spare the salaries and allowances of Senator Natasha’s legislative aides.