Senate Ethics Committee Begins Probe As Akpoti-Uduaghan Fails To Appear

The Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions has launched an investigation into Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) over alleged misconduct during a recent plenary session.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The probe, which was set to begin at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, faced delays due to the absence of key figures, including Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South). The session eventually started at 2:58 p.m., with Committee Chairman Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South) presiding. While Adaramodu arrived at 2:50 p.m., Akpoti-Uduaghan remained absent as of 3:08 p.m., when proceedings commenced.

The investigation follows the Senate’s decision to refer Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Ethics Committee after she confronted Senate President Godswill Akpabio over her seat allocation, causing disruptions during last week’s plenary. On Thursday, the Senate escalated the matter, instructing the Imasuen-led committee to conduct a thorough probe and submit a report within two weeks.

The referral was based on a report by Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, who cited Akpoti-Uduaghan’s conduct in the chamber and media interviews where she allegedly leveled further accusations against Akpabio.

Media Controversy and Allegations Against Akpabio

Adaramodu highlighted an interview Akpoti-Uduaghan granted to Brekete Family on Human Rights Radio and TV, hosted by Ahmad Isah, in which she criticized Akpabio’s handling of Senate matters. He condemned the media’s portrayal of the controversy and called for disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan for breaching legislative decorum.

The Ethics Committee is expected to conclude its investigation and submit findings within the stipulated period, as tensions over the dispute between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio continue to mount.