Breaking: Senate Committee wants Senator Natasha suspended for six months

The Senate Committee on Ethics has recommended a six-month suspension for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan due to the ongoing controversy regarding her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

In addition to the suspension, the committee has advised that the senator from Kogi Central issue an apology to the Senate for what it deemed a "disrespect" to the institution. Furthermore, it has been suggested that her salary and security details be suspended for the duration of her penalty.

Previously, Akpoti-Uduaghan had resubmitted a sexual harassment petition against Akpabio during a plenary session, this time representing her constituents, led by Zubairu Yakubu. After confirming that there were no legal impediments, Akpabio instructed her to formally present the petition to the Senate at 12:38 PM.

The petition was subsequently assigned to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), with a directive to report back within four weeks.

This action follows a similar petition submitted by Akpoti-Uduaghan the day before, which had already generated significant controversy.

Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North) raised a point of order, invoking Senate Standing Order 40, and argued that the issue was sub judice due to an ongoing court case involving Akpoti-Uduaghan and Ekaette Akpabio, the wife of the Senate President. He further argued that the petition should not be entertained since it bore Akpoti-Uduaghan's personal signature.