The Nigerian Senate’s six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over alleged misconduct has sparked widespread controversy and condemnation, with legal experts, civil society groups, and politicians questioning the legality of the decision.
Critics argue that the Senate exceeded its authority, citing past court rulings that limit legislative suspensions to a maximum of 14 days. Legal precedents involving Senators Ali Ndume, Ovie Omo-Agege, and former House of Representatives members Dino Melaye and Abdulmumin Jibrin were referenced as examples.
Women Affairs Minister Seeks Resolution
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, has expressed concerns over the suspension and offered to mediate between the Senate and Akpoti-Uduaghan to seek an amicable resolution. She described the sexual harassment allegations that led to the senator’s suspension as “unfortunate” and stressed that such incidents should have no place in the National Assembly.
“It is not a good thing to lose more women in the National Assembly at a time when we are already grossly underrepresented,” the minister stated, emphasizing the need for greater cooperation between male and female lawmakers. She also called for increased efforts to boost women’s representation in governance and decision-making.
Legal Expert: Senate Violated Rule of Law
Senior lawyer Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN) criticized the Senate’s action, stating that it defied an interim court order issued by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The order had restrained the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with any disciplinary actions against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“By suspending her despite the court’s injunction, the Senate may be acting in violation of the rule of law,” Shittu said, advising the Senate to immediately halt all disciplinary proceedings and respect the judicial process. He also called for an independent inquiry into the sexual harassment allegations.
Legal Scholar Backs Senate’s Action
However, Professor of Law Fassy Yusuf defended the Senate’s decision, arguing that Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to respect internal legislative procedures.
“The Senate Committee on Ethics sat, and she was expected to appear but did not. It shows she does not respect the committee set up to handle her own matter,” Yusuf said. He added that institutions have their own rules, and Akpoti-Uduaghan’s alleged disregard for protocol justified the Senate’s action.
CISLAC, PDP Demand Reinstatement
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) condemned the suspension, calling it illegal and unconstitutional. The group stated that the move contradicts Sections 68 and 69 of the 1999 Constitution, which outline the legal processes for removing a legislator.
CISLAC cited previous court rulings that declared legislative suspensions unlawful, including Dino Melaye v House of Representatives (2009) and Ali Ndume v Senate President (2018). It urged the Senate to reverse its decision, emphasizing that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituents deserve representation.
Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of using the suspension to suppress allegations of sexual harassment leveled against him.
“The hasty suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan without an open investigation into the weighty allegation of sexual harassment against the Senate President negates the principle of fair hearing,” PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba said. The party called for an independent probe and demanded Akpabio’s recusal from the matter.
APC Chieftain: Focus on Governance, Not Controversy
Blessing Agbomhere, the South-South Zonal Organizing Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), downplayed the controversy, arguing that Nigerians should focus on pressing national issues rather than internal Senate disputes.
“President Bola Tinubu has just signed the N54.99 trillion 2025 Appropriation Bill into law. What Nigerians should be demanding now is proper implementation of the budget rather than engaging in attempts to denigrate Nigeria’s legislative institution,” Agbomhere said.
Senate Spokesperson Criticizes Public Display of Affection
Meanwhile, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu stirred further controversy by criticizing Akpoti-Uduaghan for kissing her husband at the National Assembly complex before submitting her petition against Akpabio.
“My stomach churned when I watched the clip. It is legal, but it’s socially, morally, and politically wrong,” Adaramodu said during a televised interview, dismissing the act as a publicity stunt.
Next Steps: Court Showdown and Political Fallout
With legal battles looming and public outcry intensifying, the controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension is far from over. While some insist on strict adherence to legislative rules, others argue that the move was politically motivated. The Federal High Court’s ruling on the matter will likely shape the next phase of the dispute.
