The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct has recommended the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months.
The Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, faulted Senator Natasha for total violation of Senate rules.
According to the committee’s recommendation read on Thursday by its Chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen, Senator Natasha’s suspension will take effect from March 6, 2025.
It also recommended that her office will be locked, and she will be barred from accessing the National Assembly premises during the suspension period while her salaries and those of her legislative aides will be withdrawn.
The committee equally recommended her prohibition from representing Nigeria in any official capacity as one of the country’s senators during the suspension period. The Kogi Central lawmaker may also submit a written apology for the Senate to review her suspension, it said.
The Senate is expected to vote on the recommendation, which, if upheld would effectively strip Senator Natasha of all legislative privileges for the duration of her suspension.
Thursday’s move is the latest in the dispute between Senator Natasha and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
BACKGROUND
The dispute had started over a seating arrangement issue but later snowballed into claims of sexual harassment by the former Kogi governorship candidate against Akpabio.
But on Wednesday, the same committee dismissed the Kogi Central lawmaker’s petition of alleged abuse of office, sexual harassment, and obstruction of legislative duties.
Imasuen who represents Edo South described the petition as “dead on arrival” and would not be entertained by the Red Chamber. Her petition was signed by her constituents.
Despite the dismissal, Senator Natasha resubmitted the petition during plenary on Thursday. After being asked if the matter was in court, the lawmaker answered in the negative. Thereafter, she was directed to submit the petition to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for investigation.
The committee will probe the matter in four weeks and report to the Senate.
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