Mathew Amaechi
In a move that underscores escalating tensions within Nigeria’s legislative chambers, the Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, for six months. The suspension, announced on Thursday, follows a series of confrontations between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, culminating in allegations of misconduct and violations of Senate protocols.
The immediate trigger for the suspension was a dispute over seating arrangements in the Senate chamber. On February 20, Akpoti-Uduaghan discovered that her seat had been reassigned without prior notice. Expressing her dissatisfaction, she confronted the Senate leadership during a plenary session, leading to a heated exchange. Despite interventions, the situation escalated, with Akpoti-Uduaghan refusing to comply with the new seating arrangement.
Subsequently, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct was tasked with investigating the incident. The committee’s report, presented during Thursday’s plenary, found Akpoti-Uduaghan in violation of the Senate Standing Rules (2023 as amended) for actions that allegedly brought the presiding officer and the entire Senate to public disrepute.
The committee recommended a six-month suspension, a motion that was adopted by the majority of the Senate. However, provisions were made for a possible reduction of the suspension period should Akpoti-Uduaghan submit a written apology. Following the announcement, the Sergeant-at-Arms escorted the senator out of the chamber. As she exited, Akpoti-Uduaghan reportedly remarked, “This injustice would not be sustained.”
The suspension has sparked discussions about internal dynamics within the Senate and the broader implications for legislative conduct. Observers note that this incident highlights the challenges of maintaining decorum and adherence to established protocols in Nigeria’s legislative processes.
As the situation unfolds, attention remains on how the Senate will navigate this internal conflict and what steps Akpoti-Uduaghan might take in response to her suspension.
