Legal experts and advocacy groups have condemned the Nigerian Senate—particularly President Godswill Akpabio—for blocking Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan from resuming her legislative duties, labeling the move unconstitutional and dangerous for democracy.
Prominently, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kunle Edun denounced the six-month suspension handed down by the Senate, calling it “illegal, unconstitutional, and a violation of her fundamental rights.” Edun emphasized that the Senate acted in defiance of a valid court injunction which had barred any disciplinary action while her suit was pending. Likewise, rights activist Deji Adeyanju blasted the Senate’s conduct as a “blatant attempt to silence Akpoti-Uduaghan amid her petition” against Senate President Akpabio over allegations of sexual harassment .
Adding weight from the legal front, Chief Festus Ogwuche, a Port Harcourt-based lawyer, criticized the Senate’s action as one lacking fairness, objectivity, and compromising principles of natural justice—namely that one cannot be judge in their own case. He argued the Senate trivialized the serious sexual harassment allegation by marginalizing it and swiftly moving against Akpoti‑Uduaghan.
In a parallel human rights response, the advocacy group SERAP (Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project) filed suit against Senate President Akpabio at the Federal High Court. The suit accuses him of failing to reverse what SERAP describes as the “patently unlawful suspension,” which it regards as retaliation for Akpoti‑Uduaghan’s peaceful exercise of her freedom of expression. It seeks orders to reinstate her and restore her legislative rights, as well as a permanent injunction against further disciplinary actions posed solely on that basis .
Constituents from Kogi Central have also launched legal proceedings. Represented by human rights lawyer Femi Falana, they argue that the suspension silenced their voice in the Senate, violating both Nigeria’s constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The case challenges the Senate’s authority to suspend her and asks for judicial redress .
Why This Matters
- Rule of Law vs Legislative Overreach: Legal professionals are raising alarms over the Senate ignoring a court injunction and proceeding with disciplinary action in defiance of the judiciary.
- Protection of Democratic Rights: The move to block an elected senator’s return raises questions about the Senate’s commitment to democratic representation—particularly for vulnerable voices in the chamber.
- Women’s Rights and Political Space: Akpoti‑Uduaghan’s suspension has highlighted broader issues of gender inequality, institutional bias, and the intimidation of women in politics.
- Public Accountability: Through lawsuits and advocacy, citizens, legal bodies, and constituents are demanding transparency, justice, and protection of fundamental freedoms.
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