The six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, following recommendations by Senator Neda Imasuen, has raised serious concerns about the true motive behind the decision. Beyond the alleged violation of Senate rules, there seems to be more to this unprecedented action.
Historically, no senator—except for the late Senator Arthur Nzeribe, who was indefinitely suspended in 2002—has faced such a harsh penalty. The Senate Committee, led by Senator Imasuen, not only recommended a six-month suspension but also stipulated that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s office be locked, her access to the National Assembly premises barred, her salary and that of her legislative aides stopped, and her security personnel withdrawn. Additionally, she was prohibited from representing Nigeria in any official capacity during the suspension period.
This raises a critical question: What exactly did Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan do to warrant such extreme punishment?
The Senate claims that her suspension is due to “procedural rule violations.” However, how do these supposed infractions impact national issues such as job creation, healthcare, security, corruption, and equality? The severity of her punishment appears disproportionate, especially considering that Order 67(4) of the Senate’s own rules limits suspensions to a maximum of 14 days.
If the Senate truly seeks to uphold its rules, why has it blatantly disregarded this provision in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case? Is there a deeper political agenda at play?
Senate President Akpabio owes Nigerians an explanation. What exactly led to this extraordinary decision? Until he provides a satisfactory answer, many will continue to speculate that the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is about more than just Senate rules—it is about something far more significant, yet undisclosed.
