The Nigerian Senate’s decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months over alleged misconduct has triggered intense debate, with critics arguing that the legislative body lacks the power to enforce such a prolonged suspension.
Several legal experts and civil society organizations have condemned the suspension as unconstitutional and an abuse of power. Citing past court rulings, critics argue that the Senate cannot suspend any of its members for more than 14 days, referencing cases involving Senators Ali Ndume, Ovie Omo-Agege, Dino Melaye, and Abdulmumin Jibrin.
Senior lawyer Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN) stated that the Senate’s action violates an interim court order issued by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which restrained the Senate Committee on Ethics from proceeding with disciplinary actions against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“By suspending her despite the court’s injunction, the Senate may be acting in violation of the rule of law.” – Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN)
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) also criticized the suspension, calling it illegal and unconstitutional. The group’s Executive Director, Awwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), argued that the decision denies Kogi Central Senatorial District representation, violating Sections 68 and 69 of the 1999 Constitution.
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, has offered to mediate between the Senate and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, emphasizing the need for increased female representation in Nigerian politics.
“We don’t want to be losing any more women in the National Assembly. We want to increase the numbers.” – Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim
She stressed the importance of mentorship and empowerment to encourage more women to participate in governance.
Support for the Senate’s Decision
On the other hand, Professor Fassy Yusuf, a law expert, defended the Senate’s action, stating that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s refusal to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics justified her suspension.
“The Senate has its own rules. She refused to recognize the authority of the Senate President and the Ethics Committee.” – Prof. Fassy Yusuf
The South-South Zonal Organizing Secretary of the APC, Blessing Agbomhere, dismissed Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, calling them politically motivated.
Dr. Shittu and other legal experts have urged the Senate to review its disciplinary process, ensuring that due process is followed. They also called for an independent panel to investigate both the sexual harassment allegations and related misconduct claims to avoid political interference.
As the controversy unfolds, observers await the court’s ruling on whether Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension will stand or be overturned, with many arguing that the case could set a significant precedent for legislative accountability and gender representation in Nigerian politics.
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