Suspension: How I ‘fought’ for Natasha’s aides – Orji Kalu

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North in the National Assembly, has shared how he personally intervened to ensure fair treatment for the aides of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) after a Senate committee recommended halting their salaries due to their principal’s suspension.

The Senate had on Thursday suspended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan following allegations of misconduct and her refusal to comply with the chamber’s seating arrangements.

The suspension included the loss of her salary, allowances, security detail, and the closure of her National Assembly office.

READ ALSO:Remi Tinubu speaks out on Natasha’s s3xual harassment allegation

In a Facebook post, Senator Kalu recounted how he spoke up during plenary, urging fellow senators to reconsider the impact of the decision on the affected aides.
He stressed that the aides, as National Assembly employees, should not suffer consequences for actions beyond their control.

“We cannot punish the aides of Senator Natasha for an offence they did not commit,” Senator Kalu stated. “They are staff of the National Assembly and have no other means of livelihood apart from the salaries they earn from the Senate. It would be wrong for us as a Senate to deny them and their families their salaries.”

Kalu proposed amending the suspension terms to allow the aides to continue receiving their salaries throughout the suspension period, advocating for their welfare despite the disciplinary measures against their boss.