Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba walked out of the Senate after declining to read an apology marking an end to her one month suspension for breaching the Parliamentary Code of Conduct.
The apology that had been prepared by the Senate plenary was on order by Senate Speaker to Orwoba to read it out loud at the house.
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“In accordance with the resolutions passed on September 20, 2023, and February 26, 2025, Senator Orwoba is required to tender an apology to the Senate before being admitted to the Senate. She is required to read verbatim without any addition, omission or amendment. Additionally, the apology shall not be followed by any comment by the senator or any other senator,” said Kingi
Instead of reading out the apology,, the nominated Senator read out her own apology something that was declined by Speaker Amason Kingi.
“The Senate came up with the wording of the apology. It is not open to you to craft your apology,” said Kingi
According to Orwoba, reading the apology was self incriminating and would be used against her in court in the ongoing case.
“I have apologised before and I have no problem doing so but we have an ongoing court case and I have been advised that the prescribed apology is self-incriminating and undermines my right to a fair process in the court proceedings.
I don’t know how else to appeal but I have sat out my suspension without pay. I have suffered the consequences of reporting the issue and continue to do so and I’m okay with that. I don’t understand in whose interest it is for a prescribed apology with a self-incriminating sentence that puts me in an issue. I appeal to my colleagues, I don’t know how to say it” she said
The Speaker however issued her with an ultimatum to either read the apology letter or walk out of the chamber and go and rethink her decision.
“Having heard your advice, noting that it is attached to my work, I stand by my dignity, I have no option but to walk away from my duties. As it stands, I continue to stand by my statements. It is truly unfair that an incriminating statement is put in the apology.
This being the Upper House, I must say I am disappointed. I cannot trade my salary for something that has not been investigated. I can stay without my salary and the position. It is unfair that someone who reported a matter is been taken through this.” he said
