Peter Jatau, Abuja
Following the controversy surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Oduagha on Thursday, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, Senator Neda B. Imasuen, has urged senators to abide by the rules and regulations of the Senate to maintain order and avoid chaos.
Speaking to journalists in his office after the plenary session, Senator Imasuen, who represents Edo South Senatorial District, emphasized the importance of discipline among lawmakers. He explained that Senator Akpoti-Oduagha was suspended based on the recommendations of the Ethics Committee, which advised a six-month suspension effective from March 6, 2025.
Regarding speculation that the Senate President had assured women senators of a possible reconsideration of the suspension, Senator Imasuen stated, “I am not aware of that. He is the Senate President and has the prerogative to do so if he wishes, but he still has to bring it to the floor of the Senate.”
Loss of Privileges and Security Withdrawal
Addressing concerns over the withdrawal of Senator Akpoti-Oduagha’s security aides and privileges, Imasuen clarified that senators are entitled to certain benefits while in office. However, he noted that “the moment a senator ceases to exist as a senator, either by suspension, expulsion, or resignation, he or she automatically loses those privileges.” He insisted that during the suspension period, Akpoti-Oduagha should not present herself as a serving senator.
Senate Seating Arrangements and Order
Shedding light on seating arrangements within the Senate chamber, Senator Imasuen explained that it is the prerogative of the Senate President to allocate seats and offices to senators. He stressed that no senator has the right to reject an assigned seat or office.
“A senator cannot claim they ought to be on a specific floor or in a particular section of the chamber,” he stated. “Seating is determined by rank—principal officers, majority and minority leaders, Chief Whip, and Deputy Chief Whips sit at the front rows, while first-time senators are seated at the back.”
He further cautioned against disorderly conduct in the chamber, highlighting that any senator attempting to speak from another senator’s designated seat would have their speech recorded under the original occupant’s name. He revealed that a monitoring system in front of the Senate President tracks all proceedings of the day.
Urging his colleagues to maintain decorum, Senator Imasuen stated, “We are called Distinguished Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As such, we should conduct ourselves in a manner that upholds the integrity of the Senate, obeying its laws and orders.”
