Senate President Godswill Akpabio has claimed that he spent the night inside the Dangote Cement factory in Obajana, Kogi State, on the day Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan got married.
Speaking during Thursday, March 6, plenary at the National Assembly, Akpabio, described Natasha’s husband as a close friend and said his presence at their wedding reflected his bond with the family.
“I slept in Dangote cemetery factory in Obajana, Kogi State on the night of Senator Natasha’s wedding because the Kogi airport lights were in a poor state,” he said.
His remarks came as the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions recommended a six-month suspension for Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The committee, in its report presented by its Chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen, accused the Kogi Central lawmaker of gross violation of Senate rules.
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The suspension, if approved, is set to take effect from March 6, 2025.
According to the recommendations, Senator Natasha’s office will be sealed off, and she will be barred from accessing the National Assembly complex throughout the suspension period.
Both her salaries and those of her legislative aides will also be withheld.
However, the panel suggested that she could tender a written apology, which may serve as grounds for the Senate to review her suspension.
The Senate is expected to deliberate and vote on the recommendations in its next session, a decision that could temporarily strip Senator Natasha of all legislative privileges.