Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has been suspended from all legislative activities for six months, effective immediately.
This decision was made by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, which found her guilty of violating Senate rules.
The suspension stems from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Despite some senators attempting to reduce the suspension period to three months, the majority voted to uphold the six-month sanction.
As part of the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan will not receive her salary, and her staff will be halted during the suspension period.
However, the Senate has stated that the suspension could be lifted or reduced if Akpoti-Uduaghan submits a written apology.
Interestingly, a Federal High Court in Abuja had issued an interim order stopping the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with an investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan, but this development appears to have been overtaken by the Senate’s decision.
