Former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Rowland Owie, has criticised the six-month suspension of Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, warning that it could undermine the integrity of the Senate.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended following her clash with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements in the Red Chamber. The suspension was linked to her claim of sexual harassment, an allegation Akpabio strongly denied.
Speaking to reporters in Abuja on Thursday, Owie cautioned against legislative impunity, stressing that no senator should be arbitrarily stripped of their mandate.
“We are not in a Banana Republic. A senator remains a senator anytime, any day, even when suspended or as a non-serving senator. The 10th Senate must exercise caution to preserve the integrity of the institution,” he stated.
Owie further demanded a thorough probe into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment claim, urging the Senate President to step aside for an impartial investigation.
“I have always warned that the 10th Senate must be careful to avoid sinking the Upper Chamber. If issues are brought before the Senate, there must be thorough investigations—nothing should be swept under the carpet. Ordinarily, the President of the Senate ought to step down to allow for an impartial investigation,” he added.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has vowed to challenge her suspension in court, while legal experts and civil rights groups continue to criticise the Senate’s decision.