Strong indications have emerged of sharp divisions among Senators over the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) for six months.
Concerns have been raised about the apparent rush by the
Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, chaired by
Senator Neda Imaseun (LP, Edo South), in handling the case.
Many Senators, including ranking members, were absent due to
a tax reform retreat organized by the Senate Committee on Finance, yet the
hearing was moved forward unexpectedly.
A ranking Senator, who spoke on the condition of anonymity,
disclosed that the committee had initially scheduled the hearing for Tuesday,
March 11, only for it to be abruptly rescheduled. “It was a rushed assignment.
Why the hurry? Why didn’t the committee wait? The absence of ranking Senators
from the process shows we knew where it was heading,” he said.
He further questioned why the probe proceeded despite a
court injunction halting the investigation. “We are lawmakers, and we must
follow due process. This was why thirteen of us refused to participate or sign
the report.”
The Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan on Thursday, citing a
violation of the Senate Standing Rules 2023 (as amended). The suspension came
after she protested the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Godswill
Akpabio on February 20. The Senate ruled that she had brought the presiding
officer and the chamber into public disrepute.
As part of her suspension, she is barred from all
legislative activities for six months. Her office will remain locked, and she
is required to return all Senate property. Additionally, her salaries and
allowances have been suspended, and the security details assigned to her will
be withdrawn. She is also prohibited from entering the National Assembly
premises.
The committee’s report initially recommended stopping
salaries for her legislative aides, but a motion by former Chief Whip Senator
Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North) and seconded by Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta
North) ensured they continued receiving payments.
Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South)
had pleaded for the suspension to be reduced to three months, but his request
was rejected.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension stemmed from a heated
confrontation in the Senate chamber after discovering her seat reassigned, with
her nameplate removed. She demanded an explanation, leading to an intense
standoff during plenary.
The Senate has offered to reconsider her suspension if she
submits a written apology.
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com