By Funmilayo Akinyemi
The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct has proposed a six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
This comes after its investigations found her guilty of total violation of Senate rules.
The Committee recommended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan be suspended from March 6, 2025, as stated by its Chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen.
In addition to the suspension, the Committee also recommends locking her office, barring her from the National Assembly premises and stopping the payment of her salaries and those of her legislative aides.
She will also be prohibited from representing Nigeria in any official capacity as a Senator of the Federal Republic during the suspension.
The Kogi Central lawmaker may also submit a written apology to the Senate to review her suspension, according to recommendations by the Committee.
The Senate will vote on the Committee’s recommendation and this would result in Senator Natasha being stripped of her legislative privileges during her suspension.
This is coming as Senator Natasha has once again brought before the Senate a petition alleging sexual harassment from Akpabio. But this time, it was signed by her constituents.
Senator Natasha was asked during the plenary on Thursday, whether the matter was already before any court of law. But she said it was not.
Following protocol, the lawmaker was directed to formally submit the petition, after which it was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for investigation.
The Committee was given four weeks to conduct its probe and report to the Senate.
This marks the second instance in which Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has publicly raised these allegations within the Senate chamber.
