According to reports, at least 13 members of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions did not sign the report recommending the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months.

This revelation has raised questions about the due process followed in the committee’s investigation and decision-making.

The chairman of the committee, Senator Ayo Akinyelure, has defended the report, stating that not all members of the committee were required to sign the document.

He explained that some members were absent due to other official duties and that the committee had followed the necessary procedures in reaching its conclusion.

However, critics argue that the lack of signatures from a significant number of committee members suggests a lack of consensus and potential irregularities in the investigation process. They point out that the committee had initially scheduled a hearing for Tuesday, March 11th, but abruptly rescheduled it, leading to speculation that the outcome may have been predetermined.

[pdf-embedder url=”https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/13-Senate-Ethics-Privileges-Public-Petitions-Committee-Members.pdf” title=”13 Senate Ethics, Privileges, & Public Petitions Committee Members”]

The controversy surrounding the suspension has also drawn attention to the Senate’s authority to suspend members for extended periods.

In previous cases, such as those involving Senators Ali Ndume and Ovie Omo-Agege, the judiciary had ruled that the Senate lacked the power to suspend members beyond 14 days.

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