The Nigerian Senate's decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months has been met with widespread criticism from legal experts, who describe the move as illegal, unconstitutional, and a violation of her fundamental rights.
The suspension, announced on Thursday, disregarded a valid court order issued by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which barred the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct from proceeding with an investigation against Akpoti-Uduaghan over alleged misconduct.
Legal experts argue that the Senate's actions set a dangerous precedent for legislative overreach. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Kunle Edun, noted that legislative suspensions cannot override constitutional rights and that the Senate breached its own rules by suspending Akpoti-Uduaghan for more than the stipulated 14 days.
Edun emphasized that the matter being in court makes it sub judice, and the Senate should have challenged the court order legally rather than disobeying it.
The controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan's suspension is linked to a confrontation over seating arrangements and her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Critics, including activist Deji Adeyanju, view the suspension as an attempt to silence Akpoti-Uduaghan and undermine democratic principles. Adeyanju highlighted concerns about the handling of the matter by the Senate Committee on Ethics, citing potential conflicts of interest.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has rejected her suspension, calling it unjust and illegal. She maintains that she remains a legitimate senator and will continue to serve her constituents despite the suspension.The Nigerian Bar Association and opposition parties have also condemned the Senate's actions, criticizing the lack of due process and the failure to allow Akpoti-Uduaghan to present her case properly.
