*Without pay
The Senate on Thursday suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP/Kogi Central) for six months for flouting Senate rules.
As part of her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan is barred from all Senate activities, prohibited from entering the National Assembly premises, denied her salaries and allowances, locked out of her office for the duration of the suspension and stripped of security personnel assigned to her.
However, following a motion by former Chief Whip Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North), seconded by Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North), the Senate resolved that her legislative aides would continue receiving their salaries, as they had committed no offence.
The Senate also ruled that if Akpoti-Uduaghan submits a written apology during the suspension period, she may be reinstated.
The dispute began two weeks ago when Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at the Senate chamber to find her seat reassigned and her nameplate removed. She voiced strong objections, demanding an explanation, which led to a tense session.
Following the incident, the Senate referred the matter to the Ethics Committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), for investigation. The committee was tasked with conducting a detailed probe and reporting back within two weeks.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also alleged on live TV that Akpabio was victimising her because she refused his sexual advances.
As part of its investigation, the Ethics Committee invited both Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs. Adaramodu had presented a report citing an interview Akpoti-Uduaghan granted on Brekete Family radio where she allegedly made further accusations against the Senate President.
However, Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to appear before the committee despite repeated invitations. The committee proceeded without her, hearing testimonies from Adaramodu, Senator Titus Zam (APC, Benue North-West), and Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Mukhtar Usman Dawodawa.
Senators expressed concern that her actions and subsequent media comments had damaged the image of the Senate, prompting swift disciplinary measures.
