*** Former Due Process Minister, Ms Oby Ezekwesili speaks
*** Senator Shehu Sani tweets
“This injustice will not stand,” said Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP: Kogi Central), briefly interrupting proceedings, as the Senate suspended her for six months over alleged misconduct and violation of its rules in her fight with head of the Senate Godswill Akpabio.
She was immediately escorted out of the chamber.
Natasha’s suspension followed the recommendation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen.
While presenting the committee’s recommendation before the house this morning, Senator Imasuen said Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to adhere to Senate rules and also disregarded the committee by refusing to honour its invitation to defend herself against the allegations.
Imasuen stated: “One, that the Senate do suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for her total violation of Senate standing rules, bringing the presiding officer and the entire Senate to public opprobrium.
“Two, that for the Senate to consider lifting or reducing the duration of the suspension, Senator Natasha Uduaghan shall submit a written apology to the Senate before reconsideration.
“Three, that the Senate suspend Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan with effect from March 6, 2025, from all legislative activities.
“Four, that her office be locked up for the duration of her suspension and that she hand over all Senate properties in her possession to the Clerk of the National Assembly.
“Five, that for the duration of her suspension, she must not be seen within the vicinity of the Senate or the National Assembly, including her staff.
“Six, that her salaries and allowances, including those of her legislative aides, be suspended, and that all security details assigned to her be withdrawn for the period of her suspension.
“Seven, that during her suspension, she be barred from representing herself locally and internationally as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
After a lengthy debate, the Senators adopted the recommendations through a voice vote with a slight amendment to the 6th recommendation, allowing Senator Natasha’s aides to receive their salaries and allowances in order not to suffer unduly.
Reactions have trailed the suspension.
Former Due Process Minister, Ms Oby Ezekwesili, tweeted:
“Did I just hear a voice of a Senator say : “She’s not coming back” to Senator @NatashaAkpoti?
“Wonderful. When men because of little power fleetingly acquired start speaking like they are God, we all must remember what History reveals of their kind.
“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. You have inspired a Generation. You have inspired all credible citizens.
“You. Will. Never. Walk. Alone.”
Senator Shehu Sani tweeted:
“Sadly, I predicted it will come to this level.
“When I publicly disclosed the salaries and allowances of the Senators,it nearly earned me a SIX months suspension if not for Divine Intervention,Saraki and Ekwerenmadu’s immediate rescue. Just know that if you are there and you blow whistle too loudly, you will be ‘On your Own,’ no senator go bring him head or neck to support you.”
