Legal experts have strongly criticized the Nigerian Senate’s decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) for six months, labeling the move as unconstitutional, unlawful, and a violation of her fundamental rights.
The suspension, announced on Thursday, came despite a court order issued a day earlier by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The court had barred the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct from proceeding with an investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan over alleged misconduct. Additionally, the court directed the Senate to justify its probe within 72 hours. However, the Senate disregarded this ruling and went ahead with her suspension.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Kunle Edun condemned the Senate’s action, emphasizing that legislative suspensions cannot override constitutional rights. He argued that the decision violated both legal and procedural principles, stating:
“The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is an aberration by a Senate that should know better. Order 67(4) of the Senate Rules limits suspensions to a maximum of 14 days, yet this provision unconstitutional as it is was ignored.”
Edun further stressed that the matter being in court made it sub judice, meaning the Senate should have refrained from acting on it. He criticized the legislative body for contradicting its own stance by suspending Akpoti-Uduaghan despite acknowledging that the case was before the judiciary.
“The argument that the court has no power to interfere in legislative matters due to the principle of separation of powers does not justify the Senate’s blatant disregard for an interim order. Any grievances should have been addressed in court, not through lawless actions,” he added.
Civil rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju also condemned the suspension, calling it an attack on democratic principles and a deliberate move to silence Akpoti-Uduaghan. He linked the action to her petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over allegations of sexual harassment.
“This suspension is not just illegal; it is an affront to democracy, transparency, and fundamental rights. It is deeply troubling that the Senate would resort to such measures to stifle dissent,” Adeyanju said.
He also raised concerns about potential bias in the Senate Ethics Committee, noting that its chairman had previously defended Akpabio, creating a conflict of interest.
“Neither Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan nor Akpabio was given the opportunity to appear before the committee for a fair hearing. This lack of due process mirrors the troubling practices seen in our electoral system,” he added.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension followed a heated Senate session on February 20, 2025, where she protested the reassignment of her Senate seat by Akpabio. Her refusal to appear before the Ethics Committee, citing the court order, further escalated tensions. Additionally, she had recently re-presented her sexual harassment petition against Akpabio after an initial attempt to block it.
In response to her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan denounced the decision as unjust and an attempt to intimidate her into silence.
“Against the culture of silence, intimidation, and victim-shaming, my suspension invalidates the principles of fairness, justice, and equity. However, this illegal action does not strip me of my legitimacy as a senator. I will continue to serve my constituents and country to the best of my ability till 2027 and beyond,” she declared.
The Senate’s move has sparked widespread criticism, with many viewing it as a dangerous precedent for legislative overreach and a threat to democratic governance in Nigeria.
