The battle between Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Nigerian Senate has taken a dramatic turn, as the lawmaker has vowed to challenge in court the six-month suspension imposed on her after a confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The suspension followed a dispute over seating arrangements in the Senate, a matter that escalated when Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, a complaint she claims was mishandled by the Senate.
In an interview with newsmen, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal counsel, Victor Giwa, condemned the Senate’s actions, arguing that the suspension was unlawful and a violation of a court order.
According to Giwa, the Senate’s Ethics and Privileges Committee had been previously restrained by a court order from taking further action on the matter until a motion on notice could be determined.
Despite this, the Senate proceeded with the suspension, which Giwa asserts renders the decision invalid.
“The suspension is void, it cannot even take any effect,” Giwa stated. “The suspension is illegal because there is a court order that restrained the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges from taking further action. 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.”
The legal team also emphasized that had Akpoti-Uduaghan not sought legal recourse, the suspension might have remained in place.
The lawyer expressed strong conviction that the Senate’s defiance of the court order had rendered the suspension null and void, adding that further legal action would be taken against those responsible for the breach.
“We are going back to court. The case is coming up in about two weeks, and we will inform the court that despite being served, including the Senate President, they still acted in violation of the order by suspending the plaintiff,” Giwa confirmed.
Opposition and Legal Backlash
The Senate’s actions have attracted widespread criticism, including from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and various opposition parties.
Both entities have voiced concerns over the treatment of Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate’s handling of her sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio.
They argue that the Kogi lawmaker was not given sufficient opportunity to present her case and that her suspension was a form of retaliation aimed at silencing her.
The NBA, in particular, has denounced the Senate’s decision to proceed with disciplinary measures despite the existence of a court order.
This raises broader concerns about the Senate’s respect for legal processes and the rule of law, a fundamental aspect of democratic governance.
“Not only was Natasha denied the chance to present her case, but this suspension sets a dangerous precedent in Nigeria’s democratic system,” said a representative of the NBA. “The Senate must abide by due process, especially when a case is under judicial review.”
Opposition parties also voiced their discontent, calling the suspension a politically motivated move designed to suppress dissent and protect the Senate President. Critics contend that the suspension undermines Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to a fair hearing and suggests that the Senate is more interested in protecting its leadership than ensuring accountability.
Legal Protections and Constitutional Rights
Giwa’s statements underscore a critical point: Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal challenge is rooted in the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to seek redress when their civil rights are violated.
Section 6, subsection 6 of the Constitution affirms the right of every Nigerian to pursue legal action if their rights are infringed upon, including in cases involving elected officials.
“The Nigerian Constitution supersedes the Senate Standing Orders,” Giwa emphasized. “Every citizen has the right to seek redress in court when their civil rights are breached. Senator Natasha has done exactly that.
Her suspension is an attempt to silence her for alleging wrongdoing against the Senate President, which amounts to a breach of her right to a fair hearing.”
The issue at hand is not just about Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension but the broader implications it has for the principles of fairness, due process, and the separation of powers in Nigeria’s democracy. Legal experts argue that the Senate’s actions may undermine the independence of the judiciary, especially when it disregards an active court order.
Furthermore, the manner in which Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment complaint was handled raises questions about the treatment of gender-based allegations within Nigeria’s political institutions.
Global Scrutiny and Future Developments
In response to the unfolding events, Giwa did not rule out the possibility of seeking international intervention, although he noted that the immediate focus would be on the domestic legal process.
“For now, we are handling it locally. But, of course, the world is watching. The Senate must adhere to international best practices, which dictate that once a case is in court, no further action should be taken on it.”
As the legal proceedings unfold, attention will likely turn to how the Senate and other political bodies in Nigeria navigate the tension between legislative authority and judicial independence.
The case is expected to have significant implications for Nigeria’s political climate, particularly regarding the treatment of women in politics and the overall integrity of the Senate’s decision-making processes.
With the matter set to return to court in a few weeks, it remains to be seen how the judiciary will handle the Senate’s defiance of its orders, and whether this case will spark broader discussions about legal and constitutional reforms in the country.
For now, the eyes of both local and international observers will remain on the Nigerian Senate and its handling of the Akpoti-Uduaghan case, which has rapidly become a litmus test for the rule of law in Nigeria’s political system.
