The Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months following her dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, marking an escalation in the ongoing tensions within the chamber.
The suspension was announced on Thursday as Akpabio read out the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct.
“That the Senate do suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for her total violation of the Senate Standing Rules (2023 as amended) for bringing the presiding officer and the entire Nigerian Senate to public opprobrium,” Akpabio declared.
Although some senators attempted to reduce the suspension period to three months, the majority voted to uphold the six-month sanction. However, the Senate ruled that the suspension could be lifted or reduced if Akpoti-Uduaghan submits a written apology.
Following the ruling, the Sergeant-at-Arms escorted the Kogi Central lawmaker out of the chamber. As she exited, she defiantly stated:
“This injustice would not be sustained.”
