The Senate committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions has been barred by a Federal High Court in Abuja from pursuing disciplinary action against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.
The presiding judge, Obiora Egwuatu, gave the order on Tuesday following an ex parte application filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel.
On February 20, the Kogi Central lawmaker clashed with Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over seat allocation.
She rejected her assigned seat, defying Akpabio’s order and repeatedly raising a point of order despite being overruled.
The Senator representing Ekiti South Sentorial District, Yemi Adaramodu, who raised a point of order during plenary, said the incident had tarnished the Senate’s image.
He said attempts to clarify the Senate’s position have been unsuccessful as the people already have their opinion on the incident based on the Kogi lawmaker’s action.
Following the development, the Senate referred Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Ethics Committee for disciplinary review.
The upper legislative chamber took the decision during last Tuesday‘s plenary, following consideration and adoption of a report presented by Adaramdou.
Senators unanimously approved that the matter be referred to the committee after it was put to a voice vote by Akpabio.
The Senate President asked the committee to review the entire incident and report back to the Red Chamber.
More to come…
