Former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Rowland Owie, has criticised the six-month suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan over an alleged breach of its Standing Orders following her claim of sexual harassment, an allegation denied by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Speaking with reporters in Abuja on Thursday, Owie warned that the suspension could damage the Senate’s credibility.
He cautioned against legislative impunity, stating that no senator should be arbitrarily denied their mandate.
“We are not in a Banana Republic. A senator remains a senator anytime, any day, even when suspended or as a non-serving senator. The 10th Senate must exercise caution to preserve the integrity of the institution,” he said.
Owie also stressed the importance of investigating the sexual harassment allegations, emphasizing that due process must be followed.
“If issues are brought before the Senate, there must be thorough investigations—nothing should be swept under the carpet. Ordinarily, the President of the Senate ought to step down to allow for an impartial investigation,” he added.
