Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was notably absent on Wednesday as the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct commenced its investigation into her alleged failure to comply with Senate rules.
The Committee Chairman, Senator Neda Imaseun, expressed disappointment after waiting for over an hour for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to appear, stating, “We waited, and unfortunately, she is not here. I hope that before we conclude this procedure, she will join us.”
Senator Imaseun clarified that the committee was operating within its designated mandate, noting that all petitions are referred to it by the entire Senate. “Every petition is referred to us by the entire Senate, and the committee has the authority to deliberate on such matters. In this case, the issue was brought before us on February 25 by Senate Spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu,” he explained.
Despite the absence of the senator, Imaseun maintained hope that she would present herself before the committee by the end of the investigation.
The controversy involving Akpoti-Uduaghan began a few weeks ago during a Senate plenary session when a dispute over seating arrangements escalated into a heated exchange between her and the Senate leadership. The matter prompted the Senate to unanimously vote in favor of referring her to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for a thorough disciplinary review.
The Committee, under the leadership of Senator Neda Imaseun, was given a two-week deadline to report its findings. This conflict also saw Akpoti-Uduaghan accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, an allegation he has vehemently denied.
With the committee proceedings underway, the political tension within the Senate continues to rise, as all eyes remain on how the investigation will unfold.
