Senate cmte recommends 6-month suspension for Natasha Akpoti

… to forefeit salary and all privileges The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct has recommended a six-month suspension for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing violations of Senate rules. The committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, submitted its report on Thursday, urging the suspension to take effect immediately from March 6, 2025. According to the committee’s recommendations, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan will be barred from entering the National Assembly premises during the suspension. Her office will be shut down and her salary and allowances shall be stopped during the period. Additionally, she will be prohibited from representing Nigeria in any official capacity as a senator. The committee also stated that the senator could be given the opportunity to submit a written apology, which may be considered if the Senate decides to review the suspension at a later date. The final decision will be made after a vote by the entire Senate, which could strip her of all legislative privileges for the duration of the suspension. Meanwhile, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a new petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. The petition, reportedly signed by her constituents, was presented during plenary on Thursday. When asked whether the case was before any court, she confirmed that it was not. In accordance with parliamentary procedure, the Senate referred the petition to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for investigation. The committee has been given four weeks to examine the allegations and report its findings. This is the second time Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has raised similar allegations against the Senate President. A previous petition was dismissed on procedural grounds on Wednesday.

Akpabio’s Wife Sues Senator Natasha for Defamation, Seeks ₦250bn Damages

Unoma Akpabio, wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has filed two lawsuits against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan accusing her of defamation and violating her fundamental human rights. The legal battle stems from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent claims that her challenges in the Senate began after she rejected alleged sexual advances from the Senate President. In the first case (Suit No: CV/814/25), filed at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, Mrs. Akpabio argued that the senator’s statements had subjected her and her children to emotional distress and fear for their safety.  She requested the court to rule that the allegations violated her right to dignity as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.  She is demanding ₦250 billion in damages and a permanent injunction to prevent further statements from Akpoti-Uduaghan. In a separate defamation case (Suit No: CV/816/25), Mrs. Akpabio refuted the senator’s allegations against her husband, calling them false and malicious.  She claimed that the accusations had brought her family into public disrepute. As part of her demands, she is seeking ₦1 billion in damages and a court order compelling Akpoti-Uduaghan to publish a public apology in The Guardian and ThisDay newspapers. “The allegations have caused untold pain and emotional trauma to me and my family,” Mrs. Akpabio stated in her court filings. The court has not yet scheduled a hearing for the cases. Tensions between the lawmakers escalated after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Senate seat was reassigned without prior notice, prompting her to protest during a plenary session.  The Senate later referred the issue to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, led by Senator Neda Imaseun of Edo South, for investigation, with a two-week deadline for its report. In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a ₦100 billion defamation lawsuit against Akpabio and his senior legislative aide, Mfon Patrick.  Her legal counsel, Victor Giwa, argued that a Facebook post by Patrick titled “Is Local Content Committee of the Senate Natasha’s Birthright?” contained derogatory remarks implying that she viewed her Senate position as an opportunity to showcase makeup and revealing outfits. Giwa contended that the statement damaged her reputation among colleagues and the public. The controversy intensified when Akpoti-Uduaghan appeared on Arise Television’s Morning Show, where she reiterated her claims of sexual harassment against the Senate President.  She alleged that colleagues had warned her to accept the seat change, suggesting it was part of a broader plot against her. Mrs. Akpabio has strongly denied the allegations, dismissing them as baseless and false.

Senator Natasha Wants Senate Probe Aired Live

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has requested that her Senate probe be aired live to ensure openness. She was referred to the Senate’s Ethics and Disciplinary Committee after a disagreement with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements.  READ ALSO: Between Sen Akpabio and his female colleagues While she is ready to appear before the panel, she insists that the process should not be conducted behind closed doors. In a statement shared on social media, Akpoti-Uduaghan mentioned that she had previously stayed silent on Senate matters but had now decided to speak up.  She called on Nigerians to pay attention to the proceedings, stressing her dedication to openness in governance. The senator also shared a petition from a group called Northern Youths Advocacy for Excellence (NOYAD), which accused her of corruption, breach of trust, and mistreatment of local content committee staff.  She stated that she only recently became aware of the petition. READ ALSO: Stakeholders seek reserved seats for women participation in politics She also invited a national television station to host her for an open discussion, saying she is ready to answer any questions.  She urged Nigerians to watch the probe, insisting that it should be broadcast live. According to her, the coming days and weeks will be crucial in shaping leadership standards in Nigeria.

Senate Refers Natasha Akpoti to Ethics Committee Over Seat Dispute

The Senate has directed its Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions Committee to investigate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following a disagreement over seating arrangements in the chamber. The decision was made through a voice vote on Tuesday after lawmakers revisited the February 20 incident, where Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed with the Senate leadership over her assigned seat.  The committee, led by Senator Neda Imaseun, has been given two weeks to examine the issue and submit a report. Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu raised a motion under Senate Orders 1(b) and 10, criticizing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions and stating that the controversy had drawn public attention.  He insisted that the Senate should maintain order and discipline among its members. Supporting this position, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele stated that the chamber must preserve its integrity.  He rejected claims that gender bias played a role in the dispute, explaining that other senior senators had accepted seat adjustments without protest. Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed the Ethics Committee to conduct a thorough review.  He pointed out that while senators can sit anywhere, they must make contributions from their designated seats.  Akpabio suggested that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s unfamiliarity with Senate procedures might have caused the incident. Citing Senate Order 66(2) and Section 55, he reminded lawmakers of the need to follow rules, including prohibitions on chewing gum, drinking water, or being disruptive during sessions.  The committee’s findings are expected in two weeks.

Ndume begs Tinubu to reduce fuel, food prices

…Says Nigerians suffering, bad advisers sabotaging govt The senator representing Borno South in the National Assembly, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has raised the alarm that certain fifth columnists working hard to sabotage the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Ndume said the astronomical increase in the prices of fuel, food, essential goods and services is becoming unaffordable to average Nigerians and the poor that form the majority, In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, Ndume said the bad elements are trying hard to pitch the people against the administration of President Tinubu by pushing for harsh reforms and bad policies instead of controlling inflation and exchange rate that are making life unbearable for Nigerians. The ranking senator said those who are bent on making the President look bad will stop at nothing in inflicting pains on Nigerians through the “so-called reforms until things get out of hand and the blame will be on President Tinubu.” While advising the administration of President Tinubu, Ndume said many families can barely meet up with daily demands in their houses as a result of the hyperinflation caused by incessant increase in the price of essential goods and services. Ndume said: “I personally believe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for Nigeria and Nigerians. I know this because I know what he stands for. But some of his advisers who don’t mean well for the people of this country give him wrong advise. I’m appealing to him to resist these bad people who want to pitch the people against his administration. The hardship these people are inflicting on Nigerians is becoming unbearable. I’m currently in Borno, and I know what I’m talking about. People are really suffering, hungry, frustrated and angry. In Borno State here, many families can’t even feed anymore. The untold hardship of these frequent increases in the prices is unimaginable. Farmers can not even move their farm products anymore because of the high cost of transportation. Those who can still do this add the cost of transportation to the prices of food items they sell, and that’s why many people can’t feed again. People can’t travel anymore. To travel by road from Abuja to Maiduguri, for instance, is a fortune. How many of our people can afford that? I know that President Tinubu means well for Nigerians, and therefore he should not stay back and allow a few bad advisers to destroy this country. That’s why I’m begging him to do something before it is too late. It is not good to test the patience of Nigerians, and that’s exactly what these bad advisers are doing. As soon as the President returns to Nigeria, I urge him to look into these issues and address them urgently. The purchasing power of Nigerians is too poor, and they can’t afford the things that are being pushed on them every day by enemies of state.”

Tinubu Declines Assent To Bill Seeking Extension Of Federal, State Legislators Tenure

President Bola Tinubu has declined assent to a bill seeking to extend the tenure of service of legislative officers at the National Assembly, as well as the 36 state Houses of Assembly from 35 to 40 years and their retirement age from 60 to 65 years. The president’s declined assent was conveyed in a letter read, today on the floor of the Senate by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio. The harmonised controversial retirement age bill was first stepped down in February, 2024 for further research and consultation with stakeholders, after a significant number of senators voted against it. The bill first introduced during the 7th Assembly, was transmitted to the 9th Assembly where it suffered a standstill and subsequently to the 10th Senate. The President’s letter read that ‘ Upon thorough examination and careful consideration, I have decided to withhold my assent to the bill”, Tinubu wrote. “This decision is made by the powers vested in me by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the diligent work of the Senate with regard to the drafting and passage of this Bill. I hope you will receive it with understanding. Please accept the assurances of my highest regard”, the letter read. Akpabio presided over the resumption of legislative sitting after eight weeks of recess.

Gov Umo Eno Speaks On Dumping PDP

The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, has stated categorically that he is not attempting to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).