The Senate’s refusal to allow Senator Natasha Akpoti resume her seat after a six-month suspension has sparked outrage from the PDP, top lawyers, and civil society groups, who say the decision undermines democracy and violates constitutional rights.
The controversy over the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti has deepened as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), and civil society groups strongly condemned the Senate’s decision to stop her from resuming duties when the upper chamber reconvenes on September 23.
In a letter dated September 4, the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, informed Akpoti-Uduaghan that her suspension remains in force until the Court of Appeal rules on her case against the Senate. The letter stated that the matter is “sub judice” and no administrative action would be taken until the judicial process is concluded.
The communication dashed the hopes of the Kogi Central senator, who, according to her lawyer Victor Giwa, had already made arrangements to return to the red chamber after completing her six-month suspension, imposed on March 6.
Why Senator Natasha Akpoti Was Suspended
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended earlier this year after the Senate adopted a committee report accusing her of insubordination for refusing to vacate her assigned seat during plenary. Her suspension stripped her of salary, aides, and office privileges.
She has, however, insisted that her suspension was politically motivated and linked it to a petition she filed against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she accused of sexual harassment — an allegation the Senate dismissed.
Despite her announcement in April that she had secured a favorable court ruling, the Senate leadership maintained that she would serve the full suspension. In July, her dramatic attempt to return to the chamber ended in a standoff with security operatives blocking her entry.
PDP, Lawyers Condemn Senate’s Move
Reacting to the fresh letter, the PDP described the Senate’s stance as a deliberate attempt to silence opposition voices and deny the people of Kogi Central their right to representation. The party’s spokesman, Debo Ologunagba, accused the APC-led Senate of undermining democracy and called for immediate reversal of the decision.
Several Senior Advocates of Nigeria also faulted the Senate’s action. Adedayo Adedeji (SAN) argued that the suspension, having lapsed, could not be extended indirectly under the guise of awaiting a court ruling. He noted that the Constitution only provides limited grounds under which a lawmaker may vacate their seat.
Similarly, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), Wale Balogun (SAN), and Paul Obi (SAN) warned that preventing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return amounts to an unlawful extension of her punishment. They stressed that the move not only undermines the Senate’s credibility but also deprives her constituents of representation.
However, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) urged both parties to await the court’s final decision, noting that appeals and cross-appeals are still ongoing.
SERAP and Civil Society Intervene
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) also joined in condemning the Senate’s stance, insisting that there is no law barring Senator Natasha Akpoti from resuming duties while her case is in court. The group described the Senate’s action as a violation of constitutional rights and international obligations.
SERAP urged the Senate to immediately restore her privileges and pay her outstanding allowances, stressing that punishing a lawmaker for exercising freedom of expression undermines democratic values.
What Next?
As the Senate prepares to reconvene on September 23, all eyes are on whether the leadership will soften its stance or continue to block Senator Natasha Akpoti’s return. With mounting pressure from the opposition, legal luminaries, and civil society groups, the battle over her suspension has now become a test case for Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
Published by Benuevibes