Following a presentation of recommendations by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South) Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro has urged his colleagues to cut the proposed suspension for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in half, from six months to three.
During Thursday’s plenary session, Moro acknowledged that Akpoti-Uduaghan had indeed violated Senate rules but stressed the need to balance accountability with mercy. Earlier in the session, Senator Imasuen dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio as unfounded, rejecting claims that Akpabio had suppressed her voice within the chamber.
Key recommendations outlined by the committee include:
A six-month suspension from all legislative activities, effective March 6, 2025.
An immediate return of all Senate properties in her possession.
A prohibition on her presence in the legislative chamber during the suspension period.
Additional measures as determined necessary.
This development follows a heated incident last Thursday when Akpoti-Uduaghan protested the reassignment of her seat by Akpabio. Arriving at the session to find her nameplate removed and her seat reassigned, she demanded an explanation for what she considered an unjust action.
