Natasha Akpoti insists she remains senator, says suspension illegal
By Jeffrey Agbo
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), has described her suspension by the Senate as illegal.
The Senate on Thursday suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for flouting its rules during her protest over seat re-arrangement and subsequent sexual harassment allegation made against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
The suspension, reached during the plenary, came after a recommendation from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
As part of the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s salary and security details would be withdrawn, and she would be barred from accessing the National Assembly premises.
READ MORE: Senate suspends Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months
Her office would also be locked though her legislative aides would receive their salaries during the period of her suspension. The Senate further ruled out reconsidering her suspension until the six-month term ends or she submits a formal apology.
In a statement reacting to the development, Akpoti-Uduaghan said the suspension violates the principles of natural justice, fairness and equity.
“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,” she stated.
“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.”
, has described her s){kind=link}