The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months due to her dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The suspension was announced on Thursday, March 6, 2025, after Akpabio read out the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct.
The committee found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of violating the Senate Standing Rules (2023 as amended) for bringing the presiding officer and the entire Nigerian Senate to public opprobrium.
Although some senators attempted to reduce the suspension period to three months, the majority voted to uphold the six-month sanction.
As part of the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s salary and security details will be withdrawn, and she will be barred from accessing the National Assembly premises. Her office will be locked, and her legislative aides will not receive their salaries during this period.
The suspension follows Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegation of s3xua! hara$$ment against Akpabio. The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions recommended her suspension, citing several infractions.
Ethics and public petitions recommendations were, “Suspension for six months, She must write a written apology before she resumes,She should be suspended from 6th March and Her office locked for the duration and handover property.
Other recommendations were, “Must not come close to the NASS complex, Salaries and allowances and security details be suspended, and She must be barred from presenting herself as a Senator for local and international media.”
Responding to her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan said, “This injustice would not be sustained.”
The Senate also ruled that the suspension could be lifted or reduced if Akpoti-Uduaghan submits a written apology.
