Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan Referred To Senate Committee On Ethics, May Be Suspended

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the altercation between Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan representing Kogi Central Senatorial District at the Senate Chamber on Thursday, February 20, 2025, over sitting arrangement, the Upper Chamber has referred the matter to its Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petition for necessary disciplinary action.

Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Senate spokesperson, on Tuesday, raised a point of order for the matter to be discussed, claiming his privilege was breached by the attitude of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan who refused to take the new seat allocated to her.

During Tuesday’s Plenary, the Senators all condemned the conduct of Akpoti-Uduaghan, saying it breached the Senate standing rules, which empowers the Senate President to allocate seats to Senators.

The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, in his contribution said the proper thing to do was to refer the matter to the Ethics Committee.

Senator Bamidele also used the occasion to move a motion for a vote of confidence on Akpabio.

Senator Abba Moro, Minority Leader who seconded Bamidele’s motion, however pleaded with Akpabio, as Father to be lenient in handling the issue at hand for the overall interest of the Senate.

Therefore, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio referred the matter to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petition to report back within two weeks.