The Nigerian Senate, through its Committee on Public Petitions, Ethics, and Code of Conduct, has declared Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio as “dead on arrival.”
The decision was announced on Wednesday, by the Committee on Ethics, Chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, citing violations of Senate rules and procedures.
Recall the heated dispute in Senate over the reassignment of Senator Natasha’s seat during a plenary session. The reassignment, which she interpreted as an attempt to stifle her visibility and contributions, led to a confrontation with Senate President Akpabio. Following the altercation, the Senate referred her to its Ethics Committee for disciplinary review.
The committee chair, Neda Imasuen stated that the petition could not proceed as it conflicted with over 40 subsections of the Senate rulebook.
He emphasized that matters concerning senators’ conduct are governed strictly by internal Senate rules and are not subject to external influence or judicial review.
Meanwhile, the Senate Spokesperson, Sen. Yemi Adaramodu, Senate Chairman on rules and business, Titus Zam and Sargent- arms, Mutual Usmaila, during the committee meeting, gave detailed explanation of the whole event to the committee, citing the misconduct of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The absence of Senator Natasha during the hearing was also noted.
Meanwhile, an Abuja Federal High Court has issued an interim order halting the Senate’s disciplinary actions against her. Justice Obiora Egwuatu ruled in favor of Senator Natasha’s legal team, pausing all proceedings pending further judicial review.
