In a recent interview with TVC News, Senator Peter Nwebonyi defended the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, asserting that the disciplinary action was justified due to her conduct within the Senate chambers. Nwebonyi criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan for allegedly attempting to divert attention from her actions by introducing allegations of sexual harassment against a fellow lawmaker.
According to reports, Nwebonyi emphasized that Akpoti-Uduaghan's suspension resulted from her behavior during Senate proceedings, particularly her refusal to comply with seat reallocation directives and her conduct during debates. He suggested that her allegations of sexual harassment were a tactic to manipulate public sentiment and distract from the core issues related to her conduct.
The Deputy Chief Whip also highlighted that other senators had complied with similar seat reallocation processes without incident, implying that Akpoti-Uduaghan's actions were an exception. He underscored the importance of adhering to established protocols and maintaining decorum within the legislative body.
This development follows a series of events where Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of inappropriate behavior. However, the Senate's Ethics Committee dismissed these allegations, citing procedural violations. Akpoti-Uduaghan's suspension bars her from accessing her office, security details, and committee assignments for six months.
Critics argue that the suspension reflects deeper issues within the Senate, including concerns about gender representation and the handling of misconduct allegations. Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of the few female senators, has filed a lawsuit against Akpabio, seeking substantial damages.
The situation continues to evolve, drawing attention to the dynamics of power, protocol, and accountability within Nigeria's legislative framework.
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