- Political figures, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, have criticised the Senate’s decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
- Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan announced plans to challenge her suspension in court
- Legal counsel claimed Senate violated a court order by imposing the suspension
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's six-month suspension over sexual harassment claims against Senate President Godswill Akpabio has sparked widespread debate, with calls for fairness and transparency.
The suspension was sequel to the consideration and adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions during plenary.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to challenge six-month suspension in court
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has announced plans to challenge her six-month suspension imposed by the Senate in court.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal counsel, Victor Giwa, dismissed the Senate’s resolution as a violation of a court order that allegedly restrained the Senate from taking further action on the matter.
Giwa spoke with PUNCH on Thursday, March 6 after the Senator was suspended and subsequently escorted out of the National Assembly complex.
He expressed confidence that the suspension would be nullified in court, stating that the Senate’s actions breached a court order that specifically prevented the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges from proceeding with any disciplinary actions.
"The suspension is void and cannot take effect," Giwa asserted. "It is illegal because it disregarded a valid court order."
He confirmed that legal action would be taken against those who defied the court’s directive, with a hearing scheduled in the coming weeks.
"Despite being served the order, including the Senate President, they proceeded with the suspension. We will inform the court that this action was in violation of the order," Giwa added.
NBA, political figures condemn Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension
While some political figures have condemned the suspension, including opposition parties and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Giwa refrained from discussing potential international escalation, noting that the matter is being handled locally for now.
Legal experts have also weighed in, questioning the Senate’s haste in taking disciplinary action before a full investigation into the allegations. Some have pointed to the constitutional requirement that a person be heard before disciplinary measures are taken.
"The Senate must ensure fairness and transparency in these proceedings," said Wale Balogun (SAN), echoing concerns about due process.
Suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan raises concerns ahead of International Women’s Day
The Senator’s suspension has generated strong reactions from various political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, who both criticised the Senate’s decision.
Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, emphasised the negative impact the suspension could have on women in politics, calling the decision an attack on affirmative action.
He stated, “Has there been an investigation? No. So, Atiku’s position hasn’t changed. Whichever way you look at this, there is a concern. Any society that does not optimally use the assets available to it, particularly by giving women the opportunity to thrive, is failing.
“About half of our population is women, and if we don’t deliberately create an environment conducive to promoting women’s interests—whether in politics, business, or any other human endeavour—we are underutilising our potential.
“We’re not providing half of our population the opportunities to thrive and add value to society. With International Women’s Day coming up on March 8, it raises serious concerns. The Senate’s action of suspending Natasha for six months without conducting an investigation is an attack on affirmative action.”
Obi’s representative, Tanko Yunusa, also expressed disappointment with the situation, citing the lack of investigation before the suspension was imposed. “The situation is quite disappointing,” he stated.
PDP condemns Senate President Akpabio for failing to step aside
PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, condemned Senate President Akpabio for failing to step aside during the investigation of the sexual harassment allegations.
He stated, “The Senate President should have excused himself; he wasn’t truly a man of integrity. He should have stepped aside and allowed the investigation to proceed. I was deeply moved by this, and I’m sure every person of goodwill would be as well.
“Natasha could have been our sister, our wife, our daughter, or our mother. To see them all gang up and use state power and bureaucracy to silence her voice is shameful. For me, it was even more shameful for the opposition members on the floor of the Senate. They failed to speak up when it mattered.
“They were trying to stay in Akpabio’s good books. Looking at the whole situation, no one could stand up to be counted because they didn’t want to be kicked out or labelled as rebels. It’s a shame. But I believe Natasha has made her points. Though the majority will have their way, the minority will also have their day.”
NNPP expresses concern over lack of investigation before suspension
New Nigeria People’s Party spokesperson Ladipo Johnson expressed concern about the lack of investigation into the allegations before the suspension was handed down.
“Well, should someone be suspended for raising an issue fundamental to her well-being and others? That’s one question. There’s another argument about her sitting position. When Akpabio argued about his sitting position in the past, was he also suspended?
“If a person is saying that certain thing happened to me, and you strike it out on a technicality, saying that she signed it herself or something. You haven’t even gone into the details or the merits of the matter to know whether she lied or she was right.
“Instead, you punished the person by suspending her for six months and withholding her allowances, salary and other benefits. It doesn’t seem straightforward to me. That’s all I’ll say,” he stated.
Similarly, the Labour Party also joined the chorus of criticism, with National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh calling the suspension "draconian" and "undemocratic," urging the Senate to revisit the case and ensure a fair hearing for Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Natasha vs Akpabio: Groups turn protests to wars over support for both senators
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Women in Akwa Ibom protested in defence of Akpabio, denouncing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations.
According to the report, counter-protests in Abuja called for a fair investigation into Akpabio’s alleged misconduct.