A political firestorm has erupted in Nigeria’s Senate, with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan vowing to challenge her six-month suspension in court. The Kogi Central lawmaker’s suspension, stemming from a heated dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio and allegations of sexual harassment, has ignited widespread condemnation from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), opposition parties, and civil society.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal counsel, Victor Giwa, has denounced the Senate’s decision as a flagrant violation of a court order, asserting that the suspension is “void” and “illegal.” Giwa claims that the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges defied a court injunction restraining them from taking further action on the matter.
“The committee disobeyed a valid court order that was served on them, making a mockery of the chamber that is supposed to uphold the law,” Giwa stated. He emphasized that legal action would be pursued against those responsible for the violation, with plans to inform the court of the Senate’s disregard for its directive.
The suspension, which includes the withdrawal of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s salary and security details, and the locking of her office, has been met with fierce criticism. The NBA Women Forum chairperson, Huwaila Muhammad, questioned the fairness of the proceedings, arguing that Akpoti-Uduaghan deserved a fair hearing before any punitive measures were taken.
“I see her suspension as a kind of intimidation; you cannot be a judge in your own court,” Muhammad asserted. “If something affects you, slide by the side and let justice take its course because we need to see fairness.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi have also voiced their disapproval, with Abubakar labeling the suspension an “attack on affirmative action.” Obi, through his former media aide Tanko Yunusa, expressed disappointment, calling the situation “quite disappointing.”
The Senate’s decision has also drawn sharp criticism from legal experts. Professor Itsey Sagay (SAN) expressed sympathy for Akpoti-Uduaghan, suggesting that the Senate should have allowed the courts to resolve the matter. Chief Awa Kalu, SAN, deemed the Senate’s action “hasty,” while other senior lawyers, including Wale Balogun (SAN) and Lekan Ojo (SAN), questioned the procedural fairness of the suspension.
The controversy began when Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, a claim he vehemently denied. The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, subsequently recommended her suspension, citing violations of Senate Standing Orders. The report, signed by all 14 committee members, found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty, as she did not attend the investigative hearing to defend herself.
The Senate’s decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan has sparked a national debate about due process, gender equality, and the rule of law. As the legal battle unfolds, the case is expected to have significant implications for the Nigerian Senate and the country’s political landscape. Hobnob News will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of this developing story.
