Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has vowed to challenge her six-month suspension by the Senate in court, following a heated dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements and allegations of sexual harassment.
Her lawyer, Victor Giwa, dismissed the suspension as illegal, citing a court order that allegedly restrained the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges from taking disciplinary action pending the determination of a motion on notice. Giwa affirmed that legal action would be taken against those who violated the court’s directive.
The Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for allegedly breaching its standing rules and bringing the legislative body to public disrepute. However, the Nigerian Bar Association, opposition parties, and prominent figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, have condemned the suspension, describing it as a violation of her right to fair hearing.
The Senate rejected a recommendation for Akpoti-Uduaghan to apologise before the end of her suspension, instead demanding that any apology be tendered only after the suspension period. However, the lawmakers amended the suspension terms to allow her legislative aides to receive their salaries during the suspension period.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension continues to spark public outcry, with many calling on the Senate to reconsider its decision and uphold fairness in the matter.
