Reprieve for Gloria Orwoba as she is allowed back in Senate

Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba will continue to sit in the Senate.

This comes after Senate Speaker Amason Kingi ruled the House would adhere to a High Court ruling that temporarily stopped her suspension.

Orwoba was suspended from the Senate and Parliament precincts for six months on September 20, 2023.

A report by the Powers and Privileges Committee tabled on August 10 recommended her suspension for failing to appear before it to substantiate claims she made against her colleagues on corruption and sexual harassment.

Making the ruling on Tuesday, Senate Speaker Kingi said Orwoba would be allowed back to the house pending the determination of the matter.

"Having considered this matter after taking into account previous rulings of Speakers of Parliament and court decisions, it is my ruling that whereas the Senate is dissatisfied with the conservatory order obtained by Senator Gloria Orwoba, the Senate shall comply with the said order, while reserving its right to vigorously defend its position in court," said Kingi.

The matter will come up for mention on October 25, 2023, for further direction.

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.