In a move that has sparked controversy, the Nigerian Senate has suspended Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan, the representative of Kogi State, for six months due to her refusal to comply with Senate rules. The suspension was announced by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, following a vote in which the majority of senators supported the action. According to Akpabio, the decision was based on Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s alleged misconduct in defying the Senate’s authority and her failure to apologize for her actions.
The controversy began when Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan refused to occupy a newly assigned seat in the Senate, arguing that it was done without her consent and violated her privileges. In protest, she refused to sit in her new position, which led to the matter being referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. The committee, led by Senator Neda Imasuen, was tasked with reviewing the situation and making a recommendation. According to Mr. Imasuen, the committee thoroughly examined the issue, considering the Nigerian Constitution, Senate standing rules, and principles of equity and justice.
In the committee’s report, Mr. Imasuen revealed that both Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, were invited to present their positions. While Adaramodu attended, Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan chose not to appear before the committee. This act of non-compliance was deemed disrespectful by the panel, leading to further disciplinary action. Testimonies were also gathered from various individuals, including Senator Titus Zam, Sergeant-at-Arms Mukthar Daudawa, and Etido Ekpo, a retired brigadier general, all of whom testified against her.
The committee’s findings were clear: Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan was found guilty of disregarding the Senate’s rules and acting in a manner inconsistent with Senate decorum. As a result, the committee recommended a six-month suspension, effective from March 6, 2025. Additional penalties include the withdrawal of her security aides, the closure of her office within the National Assembly, and the handover of Senate properties in her possession to the Clerk of the National Assembly. Furthermore, she will be prohibited from entering the National Assembly premises during her suspension, and her salaries and allowances will be suspended.
The debate over her suspension was intense, with several senators voicing their opinions. Ondo South Senator Jimoh Ibrahim seconded the motion, stating that Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions violated Senate rules and that she needed to face the consequences. Kogi West Senator Sunday Karimi spoke of his attempts to persuade her to apologize, but claimed that she refused and instead resorted to personal insults. Minority Leader Abba Moro of Benue South also voiced criticism, but called for the suspension to be reduced to three months, a motion that was not supported.
Meanwhile, some senators, including Osun East Senator Francis Fadahunsi, raised concerns about the Senate President’s handling of relationships within the chamber. Fadahunsi specifically cautioned Akpabio, noting that the Senate President no longer seemed to have any close allies among fellow senators. Katsina South Senator Muhammed Dandutse suggested that the suspension could be lifted if Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan issued a formal apology. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele clarified that the suspension was not politically motivated, emphasizing that it was based solely on Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s defiance of Senate procedures and her lack of remorse.
Senate President Akpabio responded by reaffirming that the resolution on Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was in line with the Nigerian Constitution and Senate rules. He dismissed the sexual harassment allegations against him, labeling them as “sponsored and generated blackmail.” Recalling his personal efforts to attend Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s wedding despite logistical challenges, Akpabio reiterated that his actions were rooted in respect for the Senate’s integrity. He then put the recommendations to a vote, which was overwhelmingly supported by the senators present.
As Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan was escorted out of the chamber by the sergeant-at-arms, she shouted, “This injustice will not be sustained, the pursuit for justice…” Her suspension makes her the second senator of the 10th Senate to be disciplined, following the suspension of Bauchi Central Senator Abdul Ningi last year. Ningi had faced a similar fate after alleging that the 2024 budget had been padded. While it remains uncertain whether Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan will issue the requested apology or challenge the decision in court, sources suggest that she may choose legal action over submission.
