UPDATED: Senate Committee Recommends Six-Month Suspension for Natasha

The Senate is considering a six-month suspension for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following an investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct. The committee cited her for a "total violation of Senate rules" in its recommendations.

According to the committee’s report, presented by its Chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen, the suspension will take effect from March 6, 2025. During this period, Senator Natasha’s office will be locked, and she will be barred from accessing the National Assembly premises. Additionally, her salary and those of her legislative aides will be withdrawn.

The committee also recommended that Senator Natasha be prohibited from representing Nigeria in any official capacity as a senator during the suspension. However, it noted that she may submit a written apology to the Senate, which could be reviewed to reconsider her suspension.

The Senate is expected to vote on the recommendation. If approved, the suspension would strip Senator Natasha of all legislative privileges for the duration of the six-month period.

This development is the latest in the ongoing dispute between Senator Natasha and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The conflict began over a seating arrangement issue but escalated into allegations of sexual harassment by Senator Natasha against Akpabio.

Earlier, on Wednesday, the same committee dismissed Senator Natasha’s petition, which accused Akpabio of abuse of office, sexual harassment, and obstruction of legislative duties. Senator Imasuen, representing Edo South, described the petition as “dead on arrival” and stated that it would not be entertained by the Senate. The petition had been signed by her constituents.

Despite the dismissal, Senator Natasha resubmitted the petition during Thursday’s plenary session. When asked if the matter was already in court, she responded in the negative. She was then directed to submit the petition to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for further investigation.

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

This suspension recommendation marks a significant escalation in the tensions between Senator Natasha and the Senate leadership, as the legislative body continues to address the allegations and enforce its rules.

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