Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been suspended for six months starting from today, March 6, 2025. This decision follows a breach of Senate rules, with the lawmaker from Kogi State facing immediate consequences for her actions.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, a prominent member of the opposition, has had her security details withdrawn and is prohibited from accessing the National Assembly premises for the duration of the suspension. The decision has sparked considerable debate among political observers, some of whom believe the action was necessary to maintain the integrity of the Senate, while others view it as politically motivated.
The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was handed down after an investigation into her conduct during a recent Senate session. Though the specific violation has not been fully disclosed, sources suggest that her actions were deemed to be a serious breach of the Senate’s rules of conduct. The Senate’s Ethics and Privileges Committee conducted an inquiry into the matter, and the conclusion led to the six-month suspension as a corrective measure.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is accused of engaging in behaviour that violated the principles of order and decorum expected of a sitting member of the Senate. While the exact nature of the offence has not been officially outlined, sources close to the matter have stated that the violation was significant enough to warrant such a harsh penalty.
As part of the sanctions, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s security details have been withdrawn, meaning she will no longer have access to the police protection typically afforded to members of the Senate. Furthermore, the suspension prevents her from entering the National Assembly complex or participating in Senate proceedings until the suspension period concludes.
The decision to suspend Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has sparked mixed reactions across Nigeria.
