The Senate remains divided over the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), with many questioning the process that led to the six-month sanction.
Reports indicate that the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions initially scheduled the hearing for March 11, 2025, allowing for a detailed review. However, the decision was unexpectedly fast-tracked, raising concerns among lawmakers.
Of the 32-member committee, 13 senators did not sign the report, citing procedural issues. The following senators abstained:
- Samaila Kaila (PDP, Bauchi North)
- Yaro Siyako (APC, Gombe South)
- Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North)
- Onyesoh Heacho (PDP, Rivers East)
- Onawo Ogoshi (PDP, Nasarawa South)
- Tony Nwoye (LP, Anambra North)
- Aminu Iya Abbas (PDP, Adamawa Central)
- Shuaib Salisu (APC, Ogun Central)
- Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West)
- Mustapha Khabeeb (APC, Jigawa South West)
- Kelvin Chukwu (LP, Enugu East)
Sources suggest that Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, played a key role in expediting the process while many senior senators were away at a tax reform retreat.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
Some lawmakers argued that the Senate should have waited for the resolution of a court injunction before proceeding with disciplinary measures.
“The decision was rushed and controversial, which is why several senators refused to endorse it,” a senator noted.
The Senate Committee on Ethics, chaired by Senator Neda Imaseun (LP, Edo South), includes key members such as:
- Khalid Ibrahim (PDP, Kaduna North)
- Ayodele Adegbonire (APC, Ondo Central)
- Fadeyi Olubiyi (PDP, Osun Central)
- Umar Shehu Buba (APC, Bauchi South)
- Patrick Ndubueze (APC, Imo North)
- Barinada Mpigi (PDP, Rivers South East)
- Harry Banigo (PDP, Rivers West)
- Tutus Zam (PDP, Benue North West)
- Isah Jibrin (APC, Kogi East)
- Nasiru Sani Zango Daura (APC, Katsina North)
- Rufai Hanga (NNPP, Kano Central)
- Sampson Ekong (PDP, Akwa Ibom South)
- Ireti Kingibe (LP, FCT)
- Sunday Katung (PDP, Kaduna South)
- Osita Ngwu (PDP, Enugu West)
- Binos Yaroe (PDP, Adamawa South)
- Jimoh Ibrahim (APC, Ondo South)
- Ede Dafinone (APC, Delta Central)
- Joel Onowakpo Thomas (APC, Delta South)
- Nwaebonyi Onyeka (APC, Ebonyi North)
Suspension and Aftermath
On March 6, 2025, the Senate officially suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, citing violations of the 2023 amended Senate Standing Rules, which prohibit actions deemed harmful to the institution’s integrity.
As part of the suspension:
- Her office was sealed
- She was directed to return all Senate property
- She was barred from participating in legislative activities
Efforts by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) to reduce the suspension to three months were unsuccessful, as the Senate upheld the committee’s recommendation.
Following the decision, opposition senators, led by Senator Seriake Dickson, visited Akpoti-Uduaghan and her family to express their support.
“We stand together during difficult moments. It is customary to offer encouragement and seek a resolution,” a senator from the delegation stated.
The situation continues to spark debate within the Senate, with some members calling for a review of the disciplinary process.
