The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central for six months over allegations of misconduct. The decision, reached during a plenary session on March 6, 2025, includes additional penalties such as the withdrawal of her salaries, allowances, and security aides.
The conflict began on February 20 when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan refused to comply with a new seating arrangement in the Senate chamber. She argued that the change was made without her consent and violated her privileges. This lead to engaged in a heated exchange between herself and Senator Akpabio. Her refusal to accept the reassignment led to a formal complaint issued against her.
The case investigated by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions was led by Senator Neda Imasuen who invited both Akpoti-Uduaghan and Yemi Adaramodu, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, to present their cases.
While Adaramodu honored the invitation, Akpoti-Uduaghan declined to appear, which the committee viewed as an act of disrespect.
Senator Neda Imasuen, expressing his displeasure over Akpoti-Uduaghan’s absence said, “Senator Natasha was duly invited to this meeting. We hope she will join us as we continue.”
Following its findings, the committee recommended a six-month suspension, effective immediately. In addition to being barred from legislative duties, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s office in the National Assembly will be closed, and she will be prohibited from representing the Senate at both local and international events.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the decision after it was backed by the majority of senators at the plenary. As she was escorted out of the chamber by the sergeant-at-arms, Akpoti-Uduaghan declared, “This injustice will not stand.”
The senator’s suspension comes in the wake of her recent sexual harassment petition against Akpabio. However, the Senate dismissed the petition on procedural grounds, stating that a petition must not be personally signed by the complainant.
