The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, faced opposition from 13 of her colleagues, highlighting a divide within the Senate.
Reports indicate that the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions accelerated the hearing process unexpectedly.
A senior senator observed that this hurried approach raises questions about the proceedings, suggesting a need for a more thorough and considered examination of the situation to ensure a fair outcome. …CONTINUE READING
No fewer than 13 serving senators did not sign the suspension report of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central.
Recalls that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months for violating the Senate Standing Rules 2023 (as amended).
As part of the suspension, her salary, security details, and access to the National Assembly will be revoked. Her office will be locked, and her aides will not receive salaries.
The suspension follows a confrontation with Akpabio over the reassignment of her seat. She can only have the suspension lifted by submitting a formal apology to the Senate.
It was gathered that many Senators, including ranking members, were absent from the hearing organized by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions.
As reported by Vanguard, a ranking Senator, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, disclosed that the committee abruptly rescheduled and moved the hearing forward unexpectedly.
The committee chaired by Senator Neda Imaseun (LP, Edo South), had initially scheduled the hearing for Tuesday, March 11.
The federal lawmaker said many senators did not attend due to a tax reform retreat organized by the Senate Committee on Finance.
“It was a rushed assignment. Why the hurry? Why didn’t the committee wait? The absence of ranking Senators from the process shows we knew where it was heading,”
The senator further questioned why the probe proceeded despite a court injunction halting the investigation.
“We are lawmakers, and we must follow due process. This was why thirteen of us refused to participate or sign the report.”
