The Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central for six months following a report by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
The committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of misconduct and non-compliance with its proceedings. Her suspension is linked to sexual harassment allegations she made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She had accused Akpabio of blocking her legislative motions—particularly on the Ajaokuta Steel Company—and allegedly referring to her as a “nightclub girl,” a comment for which he later apologised.
During Thursday’s plenary, the Ethics Committee recommended not only her suspension but also the withdrawal of her salary and security details for the duration. Additionally, Akpoti-Uduaghan was advised to issue a formal apology to the Senate.
With this decision, she is barred from entering the National Assembly premises, and her office will remain sealed for the next six months. The suspension adds a new twist to the ongoing rift between the Kogi senator and the Senate leadership, with Akpabio maintaining that the allegations against him are baseless.
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