Senate Drama Unfolds: Rushed Assignment Sparks Rift Over Natasha’s Suspension

An anonymous senior Senator revealed that some lawmakers refused to sign the report recommending Natasha’s six-month suspension. The suspension, which was announced on Thursday, followed a report by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imaseun. The allegations against Natasha involved sexual harassment and a dispute regarding a seat change with Akpabio.

However, the senior Senator, speaking to Vanguard, expressed dissatisfaction with the rushed decision. He questioned the committee’s urgency, pointing out that the hearing had been initially scheduled for March 11 but was suddenly moved up without notice. He noted that many Senators, particularly senior members, were absent due to a tax reform retreat organized by the Senate Committee on Finance, yet the hearing proceeded unexpectedly.

“It was a rushed assignment. Why the hurry? Why didn’t the committee wait? The absence of ranking Senators shows we knew where it was headed,” the Senator said.

He also argued that due process was ignored, as Natasha’s case proceeded despite a court injunction halting the investigation. This led thirteen Senators to withhold their signatures from the suspension report.

In response to her suspension, Senator Natasha vowed to challenge the injustice, stating it would not stand.