Senator Rowland Owie, a former Senate Chief Whip, has condemned Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension.
The Senate suspended the Kogi senator for six months after she spat with Senate President Godswill Akpabio about seating arrangements in the Red Chamber.
The upper parliamentary house suspended Natasha for violating its Standing Orders following her allegations of sexual harassment, which Akpabio disputed.
Speaking to media in Abuja on Thursday, Owie cautioned that Natasha’s suspension could jeopardize Senate integrity.
The former legislator warned that legislative impunity might establish a dangerous precedent, emphasizing that no senator should be denied their mandate arbitrarily.
“We are not in a banana republic. A senator remains a senator anytime, any day, even when suspended or as a non-serving senator. The 10th Senate must exercise caution to preserve the integrity of the institution,” Owie said.
Owie noted that the sexual harassment allegations leveled against Akpabio should be thoroughly investigated, emphasizing the need of due process.
“I have always warned that the 10th Senate must be careful to avoid sinking the Upper Chamber. If issues are brought before the Senate, there must be thorough investigations—nothing should be swept under the carpet. Ordinarily, the President of the Senate ought to step down to allow for an impartial investigation,” he added.
