FCT, Abuja – In a significant twist on Monday, March 10, the Senate ruled out a reversal of the six-month suspension imposed on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.
Senate Stands Firm on Natasha’s Suspension
Senate spokesman, Yemi Adaramodu, in an interview with The Punch, on Monday, dismissed any pressure to reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan, emphasising that the legislative body would adhere strictly to its rules.
He said:
“There is no pressure anywhere that can take our eyes away from our noble statutes. The Senate will always regulate her conduct, as empowered in the Nigerian Constitution and as enshrined in our Standing Orders.
“The Senate is currently busy, working on the tax reform bills and preparing equally for the constitution review. We want to reflect the feelings of Nigerians on the Electoral Act before the 2027 elections.”
Taking a rather evasive position, the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, also asserted that:
“There is no pressure,” adding, however, that “Sometimes it is wisdom to allow time to heal wounds.”
Legit.ng recalls that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months for violating the Senate Standing Rules 2023 (as amended).
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of making sexual advances toward her during a visit to his home in Akwa Ibom.
The controversy arose after an earlier dispute over Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seating arrangement in the Senate, which escalated into a heated exchange.
Natasha’s suspension: Akpabio challenges court
Interestingly, Senate President Akpabio has contested the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in Abuja to hear Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suit challenging her suspension.
Through his legal team, led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), Akpabio argued that the court had no authority to interfere in the internal affairs of the Senate, insisting that legislative matters should be resolved internally.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had approached the Federal High Court seeking to stop the Senate Ethics Committee from investigating her.
At the resumed hearing on Monday, March 10, Ogunwumiju argued that the plaintiff had not properly served him the court processes.
However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Michael Numa (SAN), countered that all parties had been served, presenting affidavits of service.
Akpabio hits back at Nigerians over Senate rift
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that Senate President Godswill Akpabio criticised uninformed public commentary on Senate matters, urging Nigerians to understand the facts before making statements.
Akpabio defended the Senate’s decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stating that the suspension followed internal rules and procedures, and warned against misquoting Senate rules.
Niger Delta youth leaders, led by Jonathan Lokpobiri, voiced concerns over Senate developments but reaffirmed their support for Akpabio’s leadership.
