BREAKING: Senate Suspends Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan For ‘Disrespecting Authority’

The Senate on Thursday issued a six-month suspension to Natasha Akpoti-Udughan, the senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.

It reached a majority vote in agreement with the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Code of Conduct.

They also voted not to reconsider the vote before the six-month period elapses or she apologises.

Neda Imasuen, chairman of the committee, read out recommendations during plenary.

Imasuen added that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s office will be locked during this period, and she will have no access to the National Assembly’s premises over the span of her suspension.

Her salaries and those of her legislative aides would also be suspended during this time.

The committee said for her to appeal her suspension, she must tender a written apology to the Senate for violating its rules.

Abba Moro, the Senate minority leader from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), endorsed the ethics committee report. He metaphorically described Akpoti-Uduaghan as “a child” who needed a beating for misbehaviour.

He said, “As Nigerians, we have a tradition; if you beat your child with the right hand, you draw that child with the left hand.”