The Senate has launched an investigation into the conduct of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) during last Thursday’s plenary session. The matter has been referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions for further examination.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had caused a stir in the chamber by refusing to accept a newly assigned seat and openly challenging Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s ruling. She insisted on raising a point of order despite being ruled out of order, escalating tensions in the session.
The Senate’s decision to investigate her actions followed a report presented by Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Committee on Media and Public Affairs. Adaramodu expressed concern over the damage the incident had caused to the Senate’s reputation, noting that he had spent considerable time addressing media inquiries on the matter.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Minority Leader Abba Moro, and Senator Jimoh Ibrahim all condemned Akpoti-Uduaghan’s conduct, stating that it violated Senate Standing Orders, which grant the presiding officer the authority to assign seats and maintain order. They also criticized her for taking the internal matter to the media, which they said contributed to negative publicity for the Senate.
Following deliberations, the Senate resolved to refer the matter to the Ethics Committee for a thorough investigation. The committee has been given two weeks to submit its findings and recommendations.
