A group of opposition senators paid a visit to Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the suspended senator representing Kogi Central, at her residence on Friday.
The delegation was led by Seriake Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State and a member of the Senate’s Ethics and Privileges Committee, which had recommended her suspension. Dickson later shared a photo of the visit on his social media pages.
Addressing the circumstances surrounding the suspension, Dickson explained that he had been engaged in discussions on tax reform bills and was unable to attend the Senate proceedings on the day Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended.
“For the past three days, I was attending a workshop on the Tax Reform Bills, which took place from Wednesday, March 5, to Friday, March 7,” he stated.
“This explains why I was not present when the Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, Privileges, and Public Petitions addressed the issues concerning our colleague’s suspension.
“I had been informed by the committee chairman that the hearing was scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, with official notices already issued.
“However, I was not aware of the emergency session held yesterday.”
Dickson further explained that after the retreat concluded, he led a delegation of opposition senators to meet with Akpoti-Uduaghan and her husband at their home.
He emphasized the importance of solidarity among senators, noting that they experience both high and low moments.
“It is a tradition for senators to support one another during such times,” he remarked.
“We shared words of encouragement, offered prayers, and discussed ways to resolve the matter swiftly.
“After hearing directly from her and her husband, I intend to engage with other colleagues and the Senate leadership to find a resolution as soon as possible.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, which was handed down on Thursday, bars her from the Senate for six months.
The decision followed a dispute over her seating arrangement, which escalated into allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Her suspension has drawn widespread criticism, particularly from women’s rights organizations and civil society groups.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the action, describing it as an attempt to cover up the controversy involving Akpabio.