The nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba refuses to accept a ‘self-incriminating apology’. She makes a dramatic exit from the Senate. This is after the speaker of the Senate termed her apology as inadequate.
Inadeaquate apologies?
Tuesday, 18th March, 2025, marked the day Senator Gloria returns to the Senate. On February 12th, 2025, the senate gave the nominated a 79-day suspension. Thereafter, the period got reduced to 30 days.
Nominated senator Orwoba could not access her salary during the suspension period. Nevertheless, Senator Orwoba showed up to parliament to deliver her apology to the senate, clerk of senate and the secretariat of parliament.
What Senator Orwoba had to say
“I, Senator Gloria Orwoba, tender my unreserved apologies to this senate and undertake that I shall abide by the responsibilities of leadership as set out in the constitution, the leadership and integrity act 2012, and the parliamentary powers and privileges act 2017. I therefore beseech to be admitted to this chamber; I thank you.” Senator Orwoba apologized.
Unexpectedly, the speaker of the Senate declined her apologies. Additionally, the senate speaker termed it inadequate. According to the report from the powers and privileges committee, the recommendations on the awarding of apologies. Orwoba did not meet the requirements.
Senetor Orwoba’s Cry
With the ongoing court case, Senator Orwoba stood firm. She emphasized that she would not make self-incriminating declarations in her apology. Orwoba said, “Mr. Speaker, having had your advice, and noting that by reading this apology, I will be incriminating myself. I have no option but to actually walk away from chambers as you have directed me, Mr. Speaker, and having said that, I would also want to inform this house that it is happening to me now, but it is going to happen to you in the near future.
The nominated senator is accused of violating the code of conduct. She had failed to engage the right channels to deliver her grievances. She exposed senate confidential matters on her WhatsApp status. Senator Gloria claims she can stay without a salary and the job.
