*As Senator Natasha Reignites Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Senate President Akpabio, Backed By Constituents’ Signatures

The Nigerian Senate has taken steps to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) following an investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct.

The committee cited her for a “total violation” of Senate rules and recommended her suspension, effective from March 6, 2025.

According to the committee’s chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen, the suspension comes with strict conditions, including:

  • The locking of her office and denial of access to the National Assembly premises.
  • Withdrawal of her salary and those of her legislative aides.
  • A ban on representing Nigeria in any official capacity as a senator.

The committee further noted that Senator Natasha may appeal the suspension by submitting a written apology for the Senate’s consideration. The Senate is expected to vote on these recommendations, and if upheld, she will lose all legislative privileges for the suspension period.

The move to suspend Senator Natasha comes amid renewed controversy as she again raised allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Unlike her previous petition, which was dismissed on procedural grounds, this latest complaint was submitted with signatures from her constituents.

During Thursday’s plenary, the Senate inquired whether the matter was before any court of law, to which she responded negatively. Following protocol, the petition was officially submitted and referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for investigation, with a four-week deadline to report back to the Senate.

This marks the second time Senator Natasha has brought forth such allegations within the chamber, sparking renewed tensions within the Senate.

Before the start of Thursday’s plenary, the Senate Chief Whip, Tahir Munguno, raised concerns over Senator Natasha’s repeated breaches of parliamentary protocol. He specifically cited her failure to stand still upon the entry of the presiding officer, as required by Order 55, Rule 1 of the Senate Standing Orders.

“I had to send one of the Sergeants-at-Arms to inform her that she was in breach of the rule,” Munguno stated. “It is the institution that she is disrespecting.”

While addressing her directly, Munguno urged Senator Natasha to comply with Senate regulations to avoid further disciplinary measures.

With the Senate set to vote on her suspension and an ongoing ethics investigation into her petition against Akpabio, the coming weeks promise to be pivotal in determining her fate within the legislature.

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