6 hours ago
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The Senate Committee on Ethics has recommended a six-month suspension for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) over her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The committee further advised that Akpoti-Uduaghan tender a formal apology to the Senate for what it described as “disrespecting the institution.”
As part of the proposed disciplinary measures, the committee also suggested the withdrawal of her salary and security details for the duration of the suspension.
The controversy began when Akpoti-Uduaghan resubmitted a sexual harassment petition against Akpabio during a Senate plenary session, this time on behalf of her constituents, led by Zubairu Yakubu.
After confirming that no legal barriers prevented the petition, Akpabio instructed her to officially present it before the Senate at 12:38 PM.
The petition was then forwarded to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), for review, with a report expected within four weeks.
The renewed petition follows an earlier submission by Akpoti-Uduaghan the previous day, which sparked heated debates in the Senate chamber. Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North) raised a point of order, arguing that the case was sub judice due to an ongoing legal battle between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Ekaette Akpabio, wife of the Senate President.
He further contended that since the petition bore Akpoti-Uduaghan’s signature, it should not be entertained.
