Apologize, Your Sins May Be forgiven…Senate Tells Natasha

Family Solidarity

 By Benard Akoma 07/03/2025

 Senate also said, “if Senator Natasha submits a written apology during the suspension period, her case may be reviewed.” 

“This injustice can never stand,” that is the parting words, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi West senatorial district left behind as she was being forcefully led out of the senate chambers by Sergeant-at-Arms, March, 6, 2025.

The senate had just ratified a report indicting senator Natasha by her committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, which investigated a petition of misconduct brought against Senator Natasha by the spokesperson of the senate, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South).

Senator Adaramodu who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs had presented a report citing Natasha violation of senate standing rules on sitting arrangement. He also cited Natasha interview on Brekete Family radio where she was alleged to have made further accusations against the Senate President. 

The matter was however referred to the Ethics Committee. The committee was asked to conduct an indebt investigation and report to the senate within two weeks. However, Natasha failed to appear before the committee despite repeated invitations.

But the committee went ahead without her. Senator Adaramodu, Senator Titus Zam (APC, Benue North-West), and Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Mukhtar Usman Dawodawa, testified before the committee. 

The committee headed by its chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), presented the report of its investigation recommending the suspension of Senator Natasha with effect from March 6, 2025.

It also recommended that her office will be locked, and she will be barred from accessing the National Assembly premises during the suspension period, her salaries and those of her legislative aides will be withdrawn.

She will be prohibited from representing Nigeria in any official capacity as a senator of the Federal Republic during the suspension.

But Natasha however was given a reprieve, which says, “the Kogi Central lawmaker may also submit a written apology for the Senate to review her suspension.”

This, however followed a motion for mercy pleaded by former Chief Whip Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North), seconded by Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North), the Senate resolved that her legislative aides would continue receiving their salaries, as they had committed no offence. The Senate also ruled that if Akpoti-Uduaghan submits a written apology during the suspension period, her case may be reviewed. 

Before the senate took its final decision on the matter, during the plenary on Thursday, March, 6, Senator Natasha was asked whether the matter was already before any court of law which she said no.

The Senate thereafter, adopted the report of the committee hook, line and sinker, suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for flouting Senate rules. Senators expressed concern that her actions and subsequent media comments had damaged the image of the Senate, prompting swift disciplinary measures