ABUJA: The Nigerian Senate has officially suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, for a period of six months following her dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The decision was announced during a plenary session on Wednesday after the Senate deliberated on the findings and recommendations of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct.Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan while reading out the committee’s report, stated:
That the Senate do suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for her total violation of the Senate Standing Rules (2023 as amended), for bringing the presiding officer and the entire Nigerian Senate to public opprobrium.
During the session, some senators attempted to appeal for a reduction of the suspension to three months. However, after extensive discussions, a majority vote upheld the initial six-month suspension.
The resolution, however, leaves room for reconsideration. Lawmakers ruled that the suspension could be lifted or reduced if Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan submits a formal written apology to the Senate, acknowledging any infractions and expressing remorse.
As the decision was enforced, the Sergeant-at-Arms escorted the embattled senator out of the chamber. Before exiting, she made a bold statement, declaring, “This injustice will not be sustained.
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The suspension has since sparked reactions within political circles and among the public, with supporters and critics weighing in on the implications of the Senate’s decision.
Some observers view the move as a necessary enforcement of legislative discipline, while others see it as politically motivated retaliation.
With the possibility of an apology paving the way for a reconsideration of her suspension, all eyes are now on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s next course of action.
