A Senate Committee has recommended a six-month suspension for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, following her sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The committee also demanded that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan issue a formal apology to the Senate for allegedly disrespecting the institution.

During the suspension period, the committee stated that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s salary and security details will be withdrawn. The Senate also advised her to respect and obey the rules and orders of the legislative institution.

Rising on Order 55(1), Chief Whip of the Senate, Mohammed Monguno, emphasized that all senators must stand up when the Senate President is ushered into the chamber by the Sergeant-at-arms. Monguno regretted that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan disrespected this rule on Wednesday and Thursday by refusing to stand up when Akpabio entered the chamber.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio sustained the order, urging all senators to be guided. The controversy surrounding Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan began after a dispute with Senate President Akpabio over seating arrangements in the chamber, which escalated into allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of office.