Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the representative for Kogi Central Senatorial District, has strongly condemned her recent suspension from the Nigerian Senate, calling it unjust and in violation of the principles of natural justice, fairness, and equity. The suspension, which was announced on Thursday, follows recommendations made by the Senate’s Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has served in the Senate since 2019, was suspended for six months due to what the Senate described as “total violation of the Senate Standing Orders, 2023 as amended.” In addition to her suspension, her salaries and allowances have been put on hold. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan maintains that the action is both illegal and politically motivated.
Taking to her official Facebook page to voice her frustration, she stated: “Against the culture of silence, intimidation, and victim-shaming; my unjust suspension from the Nigerian Senate invalidates the principles of natural justice, fairness, and equity.”
Despite the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan is resolute about her position as a duly elected senator. She affirmed that the suspension does not remove her legitimacy as a senator and pledged to continue serving her constituents and the country until her term ends in 2027 and beyond.
The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan comes after a heated altercation between her and the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio. The controversy began when Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat in the Senate chamber was changed without prior notice. This move angered the senator, and she decided to raise a motion of privilege, invoking Order 10 of the Senate Standing Orders, which allows senators to address issues that involve breaches of privilege.
However, Akpoti-Uduaghan was not recognized to speak on the matter by Senate President Akpabio, as she had not adhered to the seating arrangements outlined in Order 6 of the Senate rules. This sparked a verbal exchange between the two senators, which quickly escalated. In the aftermath, the Senate President mandated the Senate’s Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions to investigate the situation.
Akpoti-Uduaghan went further by accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment, a claim that added fuel to the already intense situation. She alleged that Akpabio had made inappropriate advances toward her, and this accusation became the subject of widespread discussion and protests from various groups both supporting and opposing the two senators.
Despite a restraining order from the Federal High Court in Abuja, which temporarily halted the Senate committee’s investigation into the matter, the committee proceeded with its investigation and ultimately recommended Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension. In addition to the suspension, the committee also called for the senator to issue a written apology to the Senate.
In the wake of the suspension, several political and interest groups have weighed in on the situation. The All Progressives Congress (APC) Professionals Network, a prominent political group, has called on Nigerians to protect the integrity of the Senate and the legislature as a whole. In a statement issued by its president, Dr. Victor Oluwafemi, the group expressed concern over the ongoing conflict between the Senate President and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Oluwafemi urged Nigerians to consider the sanctity of the legislature, stating, “The legislature is one of the oldest arms of government and is far bigger than any individual. It should be treated as a sacred institution. Peace should be allowed to prevail, and the various committees involved should be allowed to do their work.”
The APC Professionals Network also commended Senate President Akpabio for his conduct during the investigation, suggesting that he had shown humility and openness. Dr. Oluwafemi stated, “From all indications, the Senate President has nothing to hide,” and urged Akpoti-Uduaghan to ease the tension, claiming that her actions were turning the matter into a spectacle that was causing embarrassment to the country.
While the Senate committee proceeded with its recommendations for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, the matter has also drawn attention to the relationship between the judiciary and the legislature. The Federal High Court’s order to halt the committee’s investigation raised questions about the separation of powers between the different arms of government.
The committee’s argument, however, was that the judiciary does not have the authority to interfere in the internal workings of the legislature. This assertion has sparked further debate about the limits of judicial power and whether the courts can intervene in legislative matters.
