Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North) has successfully advocated for the payment of salaries to the aides of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central).
The Senate had earlier suspended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months over allegations of misconduct and non-compliance with the chamber’s seating arrangements. As part of the suspension, her salaries, allowances, security aides, and office access were withdrawn.
However, during plenary, Senator Kalu appealed to his colleagues to reconsider the aspect of the suspension that affected her aides, stressing that they should not suffer for an offence they did not commit.
“We cannot punish the aides of Senator Natasha for an action they had no role in,” he argued. “These individuals are employees of the National Assembly, and their salaries are their only source of livelihood. It would be unfair to deny them and their families their earnings.”
Following his motion, the Senate amended the suspension conditions, ensuring that the aides of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan continue receiving their salaries throughout the suspension period.
Echezona Okafor.
Senate Approves Payment Of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Aides Amid Suspension Following Advocation By Senator Orji Uzor Kalu
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North) has successfully advocated for the payment of salaries to the aides of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central).
The Senate had earlier suspended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months over allegations of misconduct and non-compliance with the chamber’s seating arrangements. As part of the suspension, her salaries, allowances, security aides, and office access were withdrawn.
However, during plenary, Senator Kalu appealed to his colleagues to reconsider the aspect of the suspension that affected her aides, stressing that they should not suffer for an offence they did not commit.
“We cannot punish the aides of Senator Natasha for an action they had no role in,” he argued. “These individuals are employees of the National Assembly, and their salaries are their only source of livelihood. It would be unfair to deny them and their families their earnings.”
Following his motion, the Senate amended the suspension conditions, ensuring that the aides of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan continue receiving their salaries throughout the suspension period.
