The Nigerian senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, for six months, over alleged misconduct and violations of the Senate Rules of 2023.
The suspension takes effect from March 6, 2025.
The decision to suspend the Kogi lawmaker came after the senate considered and adopted the report from the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, which investigated her alleged breach of Senate Rules.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had failed to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions on Wednesday.
The committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, presented a report signed by all 14 members, recommending that Akpoti-Uduaghan stay away from the National Assembly and not represent herself as a senator during the suspension.
On the same day, Akpoti-Uduaghan submitted a new petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. Akpabio referred the petition to the Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions for further investigation and a report within four weeks.
The Senate also warned Akpoti-Uduaghan for repeatedly violating the Senate Standing Rules. C
Chief Whip Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno reported that she had consistently refused to stand when the Senate President led the procession to commence plenary, which is a violation of Senate rules.
The Senate also rejected a previous petition from Akpoti-Uduaghan, as it did not meet the required procedure.
