Defiant senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan who was suspended by the senate on Thursday for what the senate committee described as gross misconduct has said her suspension will not stop her from carrying out her senatorial duties.
In a social media post after the episodes, the lawmaker said her colleagues’ actions would not diminish her legitimacy as a senator, vowing that she will continue to serve the country and her constituents till 2027 “and beyond”.
“Against the culture of silence, intimidation and victim-shaming; my unjust suspension from the Nigerian senate invalidates the principles of natural justice, fairness and equity.”
“The illegal suspension does not withdraw my legitimacy as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and I will continue to use my duly elected position to serve my constituents and country to the best of my ability till 2027… and beyond” she wrote.
It will be recalled that the Senate on Thursday suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, for six months over alleged misconduct and refusal to comply with the chamber’s sitting arrangement during the plenary session on 20 February.
There was however a proviso that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan submits a written apology, the leadership of the chamber may consider lifting the suspension before the six-month period expires.
The President of the senate, who was accused by senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of sexual harassment announced the suspension of Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan after it was supported by a majority of senators during the plenary.
The controversy began when Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan refused to occupy her new seat because it was done without her consent and she believes the action violated her privileges.
The matter was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South).
Presenting the committee’s report, Mr Imasuen explained that the committee had reviewed the petition against Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan, taking into account the Nigerian Constitution, Senate standing rules, and principles of equity and justice.
Mr Imasuen said both Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Yemi Adaramodu, were invited to present their positions. However, while Mr Adaramodu honoured the invitation, Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan refused to appear, an act the committee considered disrespectful.
He noted that the committee also took testimonies from multiple individuals, including Benue North-west Senator, Titus Zam, a Sergeant-at-Arms, Mukthar Daudawa, and head of Sergeant-at-Arms, Etido Ekpo, a retired brigadier general. He said they all testified against Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan.
