The senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has described the suspension of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, as the “lowest point” of the red chamber.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months on March 6, 2025, following a clash with Godswill Akpabio, the senate president, over seating arrangements.
The decision came after the senate adopted the report of the committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions chaired by Neda Imaseun.
The chamber also ordered that her office be locked and that she submit all senate property in her possession to the clerk of the national assembly for the suspension period.
It further directed that neither the senator nor her staff should be seen within the national assembly complex during the suspension.
The committee also recommended the suspension of her salaries and allowances, those of her aides, and the withdrawal of her security detail throughout the period.
She later resumed legislative duties at the national assembly in September 2025 after her office was unsealed at the end of the suspension.
Speaking on the matter, Bamidele said the episode created the impression that the senate lacked order and respect for women, while also drawing heavy public attention that overshadowed legislative work.
“A lot has been done, but I will mention what I consider to be the lowest point of the 10th assembly,” Bamidele said.
“It was when it looked like there was no order on the floor of the Senate; when it looked like we had no respect for the female gender; when it looked like we were not together as an institution.
“It was at the time when a senator would grant an interview to say the 10th senate is the worst senate that this country has produced. We witnessed all of these. It lasted for a period.
“It was at a point where, rather than talking about what we were doing about the senate, the discussion on the media platform every morning was about whether or not we did the right thing suspending a senator; or whether the period of suspension was fair enough or was too long.
“So, essentially, there was a major distraction, and for me, it wasn’t a happy moment.”
He added that the controversy diverted attention from the senate’s legislative work aimed at supporting governance reforms and economic stability.