Seeks Stoppage of Salary, Withdrawal of Security Details
- Safiu Kehinde
Following the conclusion of its disciplinary probe, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petition has declared Kogi lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, guilty of misconduct as it recommended six months suspension from the Senate.
This was tendered at the Senate’s plenary session on Thursday by the Committee’s Chairman, Neda Imasuen.
The Committee also recommended the stoppage of the embattled lawmaker’s salary and withdrawal of her security details.
NPO reported that Natasha had, on the 20th of February, clashed with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over seat arrangement.
The Senate would refer her to the committee for disciplinary action over her conduct.
However, she failed to appear before the Committee on Wednesday following the rejection of her petition.
Having proceeded with the hearing of her case, Imasuen tendered seven recommendations as concluded by the Committee before the Senate.
“The Committee recommends as follows, one, that the Senate do suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for her total violation of the Senate’s standing rules, 2023 as amended, for bringing the presiding officer and the Senate in general in public opprobrium.
“Two, for the Senate to consider lifting the suspension or to reduce the tenure of suspension, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan shall submit a written apology to the Senate before the reconsideration by the Senate.
” Three, that the Senate do suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan effect from sixth month 2025 from all legislative activities.
“Four, that her office be locked up for the duration of her suspension and hand over all Senate properties in her possession to the Clerk of the National Assembly.
“Five, that for the duration of her suspension, she cannot come close or be seen within the facility of the National Assembly- including her staff.
“Six, that salaries and allowances, including aids be suspended and withdrawal of all security details during the duration of her suspension.
“Seven, that for the period of her suspension should be barred from representing herself to the public locally or internationally as Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”” Imasuen read.