Akpabio: Senate Committee Proposes Six-Month Suspension For Natasha Akpoti

The Senate is moving to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months amid her ongoing dispute with Senate, President Godswill Akpabio.

This decision comes after an investigation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, which found her in violation of Senate rules.

According to the committee’s recommendations, read by Chairman Senator Neda Imasuen, her suspension is set to begin on March 6, 2025.

As part of the proposed sanctions, Senator Natasha’s office will be sealed off, and she will be denied entry to the National Assembly premises.

Additionally, both her salary and those of her legislative aides will be withheld during the suspension period.

The committee also suggested that she be barred from representing Nigeria in any official capacity as a senator.

[irp]

However, Natasha Akpoti may be allowed to appeal her suspension if she submits a written apology for Senate review.

The Senate is expected to vote on the recommendation, and if approved, she will lose all legislative privileges for the duration of her suspension.

This development marks the latest chapter in the conflict between Senator Natasha and Senate President Akpabio.

What began as a disagreement over seating arrangements escalated into allegations of sexual harassment, with the senator accusing Akpabio of misconduct.

[irp]

However, on Wednesday, the same committee dismissed her petition on allegations of abuse of office, sexual harassment, and obstruction of legislative duties, calling it “dead on arrival.”

Despite this, Senator Natasha resubmitted the petition during Thursday’s plenary session.

When asked if the matter was in court, she denied it, leading the Senate to direct the petition back to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for further review.

The committee has been given four weeks to investigate and report back to the Senate.

KanyiDaily recalls that Godswill Akpabio recently denied accusations of sexual harassment leveled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

[irp]