The Senate Committee on Ethics has proposed a six-month suspension for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over her inability to defend the sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The committee also advised that her salary and security details be withdrawn for the duration of the suspension.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was further urged to apologise to the Senate for what the committee described as “disrespecting the institution.” The recommendations were presented on Thursday following a review of the controversy surrounding the petition.

The senator had resubmitted the sexual harassment petition against Akpabio during plenary, this time on behalf of her constituents, led by Zubairu Yakubu. After verifying that there were no legal obstacles, Akpabio allowed her to formally lay the petition before the Senate at 12:38 PM.

The matter was then assigned to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen of Edo South. The committee was tasked with reviewing the petition and providing a report within four weeks.

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This development followed a similar petition Akpoti-Uduaghan submitted a day earlier, which had sparked debate within the Senate. The earlier petition was met with strong opposition, leading to its rejection.

During the session, Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno raised a point of order, arguing that the matter was sub judice due to an ongoing court case involving Akpoti-Uduaghan and Ekaette Akpabio, the Senate President’s wife. He cited Senate Standing Order 40 to support his position.

Monguno also objected to the petition being considered on the grounds that Akpoti-Uduaghan had personally signed it. This stance fueled further deliberations on the validity of her claims and the proper legislative procedure.

With the Ethics Committee’s recommendations now before the Senate, the chamber is expected to deliberate on the matter and take a final decision in the coming days. The proposed suspension, if enforced, would significantly impact Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legislative activities and representation of her constituents.

Reported by News Break Naija.