Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was absent as the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, on Wednesday, commenced its probe into her alleged refusal to comply with Senate rules.
After waiting for an hour, Committee Chairman, Senator Neda Imaseun, expressed disappointment over her absence stating that, “We waited, and unfortunately, she is not here. I hope that before we conclude this procedure, she will join us”.
He asserted that the committee was acting within its mandate, explaining that “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, nothing more, nothing less”.
Despite her absence, Senator Imaseun reiterated his hope that Senator Natasha would present herself before the committee before the conclusion of proceedings.
During plenary a few weeks back, tensions flared as a dispute over seating arrangements led to a heated exchange between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the senate leadership.
Following the seating arrangement dispute, the Senate unanimously voted to refer Senator Natasha to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for disciplinary review.
The committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imaseun, was given two weeks to report back on its findings.
The dispute over the seat sparked tensions within the Senate as Natasha accused the Akpabio of sexual harassment. The Senate President has rejected the allegation and denied any wrongdoing.
