The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has demanded the immediate reinstatement of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.
The decision to suspend the lawmaker followed the adoption of the report by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions on Thursday.
The Senate approved the committee’s recommendation that the embattled senator be suspended from all legislative activities, effective March 6, 2025.
However, a statement by the spokesperson of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, described the decision as a violation of parliamentary conventions and fair hearing.
The PDP pointed out that suspending Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months effectively denies her constituents their right to representation.
According to the opposition party, Senate President Godswill Akpabio should not have presided over a matter in which he is accused.
“The PDP asserts that the action of the Akpabio-led Senate leadership against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan smacks of desperation to cover up.
“The party observes that the hasty suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan without an open investigation into the weighty allegation of sexual harassment against the Senate President not only negates the principle of fair hearing, especially in parliamentary convention, but also portrays the Senate as an institution that endorses, condones, and offers protection to reprobacy,” the statement read in part.
The PDP said Akpabio should step aside and allow an open and impartial investigation into the allegations raised by Akpoti-Uduaghan.