‘It is Illegal’ – Lawyers Condemn Senate’s Suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan
Legal experts have strongly criticized the Nigerian Senate’s decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) for six months, describing the action as illegal, unconstitutional, and a violation of her fundamental rights. The suspension, announced on Thursday, has sparked widespread condemnation, with lawyers arguing that it disregards a valid court order and sets a dangerous precedent for legislative overreach.
The suspension came just a day after Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja barred the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct from investigating Akpoti-Uduaghan over alleged misconduct. The court also ordered the Senate to justify its probe within 72 hours. Despite the court order, the Senate proceeded with the suspension, drawing sharp criticism from legal professionals and civil society groups.
Legal Experts Weigh In
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Kunle Edun, described the Senate’s action as a clear violation of the law. He noted that legislative suspensions cannot override constitutional rights and emphasized that the Senate’s rules limit suspensions to a maximum of 14 days.
“I do not agree with the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. The suspension was an aberration by a Senate that ought to know better. Order 67(4) of the Senate Rules states that a senator can only be suspended for a period not exceeding 14 days. This provision, which is unconstitutional, was breached by the same Senate,” Edun stated.
He also criticized the Senate for disregarding the court order, describing the action as “lawless” and “legislative rascality.”
“The fact that the matter is in court makes it sub judice. The Ethics Committee cannot, on one hand, admit that the subject matter of her petition is sub judice and then, on the other hand, contradict that position by suspending her in relation to the same matter or a similar matter that is before the court,” Edun added.
Conflict of Interest and Lack of Due Process
Activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju also condemned the suspension, calling it a violation of democratic principles and an attempt to silence Akpoti-Uduaghan amid her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
“I am deeply saddened by the illegal suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Nigerian Senate. This act is not only a blatant violation of her rights but also an affront to the very foundation of democracy and transparency that our nation claims to uphold,” Adeyanju said.
Adeyanju raised concerns about the handling of the matter by the Senate Committee on Ethics, noting that the committee’s chairman had previously defended Akpabio, creating a clear conflict of interest.
“It is unacceptable that neither Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan nor Akpabio was allowed to appear before the committee for a proper investigation. This lack of due process mirrors the troubling practices seen in our electoral system, where results are declared in the dead of night without proper scrutiny,” he added.
Background of the Suspension
The suspension stems from a heated confrontation during a Senate plenary session on February 20, 2025, when Akpoti-Uduaghan protested the reassignment of her seat by Akpabio. The matter was referred to the Ethics Committee for investigation, but Akpoti-Uduaghan refused to appear, citing the court order restraining the probe.
Her suspension also followed her re-presentation of a sexual harassment petition against Akpabio, which was initially blocked but later accepted and referred to the Ethics Committee for review.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Response
Reacting to her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan described it as unjust and a violation of the principles of fairness and natural justice.
“Against the culture of silence, intimidation, and victim-shaming, my unjust suspension from the Nigerian Senate invalidates the principles of natural justice, fairness, and equity. The illegal suspension does not withdraw my legitimacy as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and I will continue to use my duly elected position to serve my constituents and country to the best of my ability till 2027 and beyond,” she stated.
Implications for Democracy and Governance
The suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan has raised serious concerns about the Senate’s commitment to due process, transparency, and accountability. Critics argue that the action undermines democratic principles and sets a dangerous precedent for handling disputes and allegations within the legislative body.
The case also highlights the broader challenges faced by lawmakers who advocate for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s political system. Stakeholders are calling for reforms to ensure that legislative processes are fair, transparent, and respectful of constitutional rights.
