Politics
Natasha: Kogi Central Voters Drag Akpabio To Code Of Conduct Bureau
By Gideon Ayeni
The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the National Assembly, has sparked legal action as her constituents take Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and Senator Neda Imasuen to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), alleging abuse of office.
Under the banner of the Aggrieved Constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District, the petitioners accuse Akpabio and the other senators of violating their oath of office by suspending Akpoti-Uduaghan despite a Federal High Court order restraining the Senate from proceeding with disciplinary action against her.
In the petition submitted to CCB Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello on Monday, the constituents argue that the suspension undermines their democratic right to representation and violates the Nigerian Constitution. They cite Paragraph 9 of the Fifth Schedule, which prohibits public officers from engaging in arbitrary acts prejudicial to others’ rights.
The controversy began when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan secured an interim injunction on March 4, 2025, barring the Senate from investigating her alleged misconduct during a February 20 plenary session. However, Senator Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, allegedly ignored the order and proceeded with a hearing on March 5, 2025—six days ahead of the scheduled March 11 date.
The petitioners claim that despite the court’s restraining order, the Ethics Committee hastily compiled a report recommending Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension, which was subsequently adopted by the Senate under Akpabio’s leadership. They argue that this action violates Senate rules, which only allow a maximum suspension of 14 legislative days.
The petition further accuses Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele of pushing for the report’s adoption despite being aware of the court order. It also criticizes Bamidele, a member of the Body of Benchers, for disregarding legal and constitutional provisions.
The constituents argue that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension has resulted in the loss of her Senate privileges, security details, and financial entitlements, rendering Kogi Central unrepresented in the Senate. They urge the Code of Conduct Bureau to investigate the senators’ alleged misconduct and take necessary action.
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