Why 13 Senators Refused to Sign Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension Report

A deep divide has emerged in the Senate following the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), with 13 Senators refusing to sign the committee report that led to her punishment.

Concerns have been raised over the handling of the case by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imaseun (LP, Edo South). Some lawmakers questioned the apparent urgency with which the matter was concluded, especially in the absence of many senior Senators who were attending a tax reform retreat organized by the Senate Committee on Finance.

A ranking Senator, speaking anonymously, revealed that the hearing was originally set for March 11 but was unexpectedly rescheduled. He criticized the rushed nature of the probe and expressed frustration over the committee’s decision to proceed despite a court injunction halting the investigation. According to him, the irregularities in the process led to 13 Senators distancing themselves from the report.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on Thursday for allegedly violating the Senate Standing Rules 2023 (as amended). Her suspension followed her protest on February 20 over the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The Senate accused her of bringing the presiding officer and the chamber into disrepute.

As part of the suspension, she is barred from legislative activities for six months, her office will be locked, and she must return all Senate property. Her salaries and allowances have been suspended, and her security details withdrawn. She is also prohibited from entering the National Assembly premises.

Initially, the committee’s report recommended halting salaries for her legislative aides. However, a motion by former Chief Whip Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North), seconded by Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North), ensured they would continue receiving payments.

Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) attempted to reduce the suspension to three months, but the appeal was rejected.

The suspension stemmed from a heated confrontation in the Senate chamber after Akpoti-Uduaghan discovered her seat had been reassigned, with her nameplate removed. Her demand for an explanation escalated into a tense standoff during plenary, ultimately leading to disciplinary action.