Lawmakers who faced the axe before Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The recent suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has once again brought to the fore the history of suspensions within Nigeria’s Senate.

Over the years, several lawmakers have faced disciplinary action for various reasons ranging from impeachment plots to budget-padding allegations.

Below is a detailed account of some notable suspensions before Akpoti-Uduaghan’s.

1. Femi Okurounmu (1999)

Senator Femi Okurounmu, who represented Ogun Central Senatorial District under the Alliance for Democracy (AD) from 1999 to 2003, holds the record as the first Nigerian senator to be suspended.

His suspension in 1999 came amid allegations of leading a plot to impeach then-President Olusegun Obasanjo. At the time, Okurounmu was a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce and Economic Affairs. His suspension marked a precedent in the history of disciplinary actions within the legislative chamber.

2. Joseph Waku (2000)

Senator Joseph Waku, who represented Benue North-West, was suspended in 2000 for making controversial remarks about President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Waku had accused Obasanjo of dictatorship, going as far as suggesting that Nigeria would be better off under military rule than under Obasanjo’s leadership.

His remarks were deemed inflammatory and unbecoming of a lawmaker, leading to his suspension after a Senate probe found him guilty of misconduct.

3. Arthur Nzeribe (2002)

The late Senator Arthur Nzeribe, a controversial political figure who represented Orlu Senatorial District in Imo State, was indefinitely suspended in November 2002 during the Senate presidency of Anyim Pius Anyim.

Nzeribe, who chaired the Senate Committee on Health, was accused of masterminding a N22 million fraud involving the National Health Insurance Scheme. The scandal led to his indefinite suspension from the Red Chamber.

4. Ali Ndume (2017)

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South in the 10th Assembly, was suspended for six months in 2017. His suspension followed allegations that he had embarrassed the then Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye.

Ndume had raised concerns over his impeachment as Senate Majority Leader and also accused Saraki of importing a bulletproof Range Rover with fake documents while questioning the authenticity of Melaye’s academic certificate.

His claims were investigated by the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, which found them unsubstantiated, leading to his suspension.

5. Ovie Omo-Agege (2018)

In 2018, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege of Delta Central Senatorial District faced suspension for his opposition to the election reordering bill.

Omo-Agege had granted an interview where he called for amendments to the 2010 Electoral Act, a move perceived as an attack on then-President Muhammadu Buhari.

His statements were deemed damaging to the Senate’s reputation, and following an inquiry by the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, he was suspended for 181 legislative days. However, following the intervention of Senate President Bukola Saraki, the suspension was reduced to 90 legislative days.

Advertisement

READ ALSO: Disquiet as Senate breaches Order 67(4), legislative rule Section 21(2) on suspension of Natasha

6. Ahmed Ningi (2024)

Senator Abdul Ningi from Bauchi State was suspended for three months in 2024 after alleging in a BBC interview that the 2024 national budget had been padded. Ningi claimed that about N3.7 trillion had been inserted into the budget, representing over 10% of the N28.78 trillion total.

His allegations prompted an urgent motion by Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, leading to his suspension on March 12, 2024, for violating legislative rules and engaging in unethical conduct.

7. Isa Mohammed (2024)

In October 2024, Senator Isa Mohammed, representing Niger South, faced a two-week suspension after slapping a female senator, Iyabo Anisulowo, during an altercation over the disbursement of committee funds amounting to N1.2 million.

Despite his public apology to Anisulowo, her family, and the National Assembly, his actions were deemed unacceptable, resulting in his temporary suspension.

These suspensions highlight the delicate balance between legislative privileges and the ethical standards required of public officials.

As Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan joins the list of suspended senators, her case adds to the long history of disciplinary actions taken within Nigeria’s Senate.