In a recent exchange of words, two senators from Kogi State, representing different districts, engaged in a verbal altercation. The suspension of one senator, Natasha Akpoti-Udaughan, by the Senate was justified by her colleague, Senator Sunday Karimi. Senator Karimi expressed disappointment over the situation and mentioned that the suspension incident reflected poorly on Kogi State. He also referenced former Governor Yahaya Bello’s earlier concerns about Natasha’s behavior in the Senate.
In response, Senator Natasha suggested that lawmakers should undergo drug tests, hinting at erratic legislative behavior. She called for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to conduct these tests periodically to ensure the mental fitness of senators. This proposal aligns with the NDLEA Chairman’s advocacy for drug tests as a screening requirement for political candidates.
The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Udaughan was due to a confrontation with the Senate leadership over seating arrangements, which she believed were intended to undermine her. The situation escalated when she accused a fellow senator of misconduct, leading to her suspension for six months. Senator Natasha later took her case to an international forum, alleging political victimization and calling for accountability within the Nigerian Senate.