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Just In: Senate Suspends Natasha For Six Months
The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, effective March 6, 2025, following allegations of violating Senate rules.
This followed investigations from the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, which cited her for total violation of Senate rules.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, while reading the committee’s recommendations, stated:
“That the Senate do suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for her total violation of the Senate Standing Rules (2023 as amended) for bringing the presiding officer and the entire Nigerian Senate to public opprobrium.”
Despite attempts by some senators to reduce the suspension period to three months, the Senate, through a majority vote, upheld the initial six-month decision.
Additional Penalties Imposed
Beyond the six-month suspension, the Senate imposed further disciplinary measures on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, including:
Office Lockdown: Her Senate office will remain locked throughout the suspension period.
Salary and Allowance Freeze: She will not receive any salaries or allowances for the six-month duration.
Security Detail Withdrawal: All official security personnel attached to her will be withdrawn.
Ban from Official Representation: She is barred from representing the Senate or participating in any events within or outside Nigeria in an official capacity.
Prohibition from the National Assembly Complex: She is restricted from entering the National Assembly premises throughout the suspension period.
Back story
On 28 February 2025, the Kogi Central Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of making inappropriate advances towards her during a visit to his home in December 2023.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan detailed the events leading up to the incident, explaining that she was in Akwa Ibom along with her husband and close associates to attend Akpabio’s birthday celebration, which coincided with hers.
According to her, the visit began at Akpabio’s home in Ikot Ekpene before they moved to his residence in Uyo at around 8 PM. It was during this visit that she alleged the Senate President made inappropriate remarks and gestures towards her.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier filed a lawsuit against the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for alleged defamation.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had raised concerns after her Senate seat was reassigned following a reshuffle triggered by opposition members switching to the majority wing.
She resisted the relocation, leading to a confrontation between her and the Senate President.
The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has sparked mixed reactions within the political landscape. While some lawmakers and political analysts view the decision as a necessary enforcement of legislative discipline, others argue that the penalties are excessive and could set a precedent for stifling dissent within the chamber.
Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Industries, through his legal representative, has formally submitted a corruption petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Farouk Ahmed, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
This was disclosed in a statement made available to our correspondent by the Dangote Group media team on Friday.
Recall that Dangote had earlier petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to investigate Ahmed for allegedly spending $5 million on his children’s secondary education in Switzerland. He withdrew the petition a few days ago, even as the ICPC vowed to continue with its investigation.
The statement on Friday said Dangote’s petition to the EFCC followed “The withdrawal of the same petition from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, a strategic decision aimed at accelerating the prosecution process.”
In the petition, signed by Lead Counsel Dr O.J. Onoja, Dangote urged the EFCC to investigate allegations of abuse of office and corrupt enrichment against Ahmed, and to prosecute him if found culpable.
The petition further stated that Dangote would provide evidence to substantiate claims of financial misconduct and impunity.
“We make bold to state that the commission is strategically positioned, along with sister agencies, to prosecute financial crimes and corruption-related offences, and upon establishing a prima facie case, the courts do not hesitate to punish offenders. See Lawan v. F.R.N (2024) 12 NWLR (Pt. 1953) 501 and Shema v. F.R.N. (2018) 9 NWLR (Pt.1624) 337,” the petition read.
Onoja further urged the commission, under the leadership of Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede, “To investigate the complaint of abuse of office and corruption against Engr. Farouk Ahmed and to accordingly prosecute him if found wanting.”
The Rivers State House of Assembly formally recommenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
This marks the second time within ten months that the state legislature has initiated such a move.
At a plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader of the House, Major Jack, formally read the notice detailing allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara.
The notice, which was endorsed by 26 lawmakers, accused the governor of actions allegedly in violation of the Nigerian Constitution.
Amaewhule announced that the notice would be served on the governor within the next seven days.
During the same sitting, the Deputy Majority Leader, Linda Stewart, read the notice of allegations and gross misconduct leveled against Deputy Governor Ngozi Oduh.
Breaking News
Supreme Court: President Has Power To Declare Emergency Rule, Remove Elected Officials
The Supreme Court has reaffirmed that the President holds the constitutional power to declare a state of emergency in any state where circumstances threaten public safety or governance.
According to the ruling, this authority may be exercised to prevent a serious breakdown of law and order or to stop conditions from deteriorating into chaos or anarchy.
The court emphasized that such powers are intended to safeguard national stability and ensure the continued functioning of democratic institutions when extraordinary situations arise.
It noted that emergency measures are justified only in exceptional cases where normal governance mechanisms are unable to effectively address escalating crises.
More details later…
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