by The Ajasa News | March 6, 2025 3:26 pm
In a dramatic turn of events, the Senate has sided with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, slapping Senator Natasha Akpoti with a six-month suspension. This decision comes after a heated exchange between Akpoti and Akpabio during a plenary session.
The controversy began when Chief Whip Senator Mohammed Ali Monguno raised a point of order concerning Akpoti’s seating position. Akpoti interjected, demanding explanations for the change, which led to Akpabio ordering her suspension [3).
This incident is not the first time Akpabio has been accused of mistreating female senators. Former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili has criticized Akpabio’s behavior, citing instances where he allegedly humiliated female senators, including Akpoti and Ireti Kingibe [2).
The suspension has sparked outrage, with many calling for Akpabio’s resignation. Over 300 women’s groups have demanded an apology from Akpabio for his sexist remarks ².
Meanwhile, the Senate has left a window for her reinstatement which they said,
“For the Senate to consider lifting this suspension or reducing the tenure of the suspension, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan shall submit a written apology to the Senate before her reconsideration by the Nigerian Senate,” Akpabio said at the Red Chamber on Thursday.
Following her suspension, the Kogi Central lawmaker was escorted out of the chamber by the Sergeant-At-Arms, but before she left she declared that “this injustice would not be sustained”.
Source URL: https://theajasanews.com/senate-backs-akpabio-suspends-senator-natasha-akpoti-for-six-months/
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