Senator Ned Nwoko, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparation and Repatriation, has urged the Senate to remain firm following the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. He dismissed allegations that her suspension was politically motivated or an act of gender suppression, insisting it was due to her conduct on the Senate floor.
Nwoko criticized Natasha’s husband, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, for escalating the matter publicly instead of seeking a resolution. He emphasized that the Senate follows established procedures and that discipline must be maintained to prevent chaos. According to him, Natasha was sanctioned not for submitting a petition but for her refusal to comply with a standard seat reallocation and her subsequent outburst, which disrupted Senate proceedings.
Addressing claims of gender discrimination, Nwoko stated that the Senate has long supported women in politics and that Natasha’s suspension was based on conduct rather than gender. He also clarified that allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio were not part of the Senate’s deliberations, as such matters fall under the jurisdiction of the courts.
The Senate ultimately suspended Natasha for six months, barring her from all legislative activities, closing her office, and halting her salaries and allowances. However, an amendment ensured that her aides would continue receiving their salaries. The Senate also stipulated that she could be reinstated earlier if she issued an apology.
