Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba has been suspended for six months by the Senate after the House adopted a recommendation made by the Powers and Privileges Committee chaired by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi.

Orwoba was accused of making unsubstantiated allegations of sexual favours by some parliamentary officials.  She was also accused of alleging that there was discrimination in parliament by posting various messages on the Senate Business WhatsApp group.

The Senators in a majority vote decided to suspend Senator Orwoba in a move that could lead to her losing hefty perks and other personal benefits as a Senator until February next year when she will be required to appear before the house and apologise before being readmitted.  Following the decision made by the house, Senator Orwoba will be restricted from accessing the precincts of parliament for the entire period of suspension nor will she be allowed to attend senate plenary and committee sessions and she will lose out on the sitting allowances.