Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has slammed the Nigerian Senate and its President, Godswill Akpabio, over the decision to block Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s resumption to the Senate after serving a six-month suspension. Effiong described the move as “illegal, embarrassing, and a personal vendetta” by Akpabio against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The controversy began when Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months after a heated confrontation with Akpabio over seating arrangements in the Senate. She had also accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, which led to further tensions between them.
Despite completing her suspension, the Senate, through the Clerk of the National Assembly, informed Akpoti-Uduaghan that she wouldn’t be allowed to resume her duties until all pending court cases are resolved.
Effiong and other Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) argue that the Senate’s decision is unlawful and unconstitutional, as Akpoti-Uduaghan has served her suspension and there’s no provision for extending it indefinitely.
The PDP and several lawyers have expressed concerns that blocking Akpoti-Uduaghan’s resumption denies the people of Kogi Central senatorial district their rightful representation in the Senate.
Effiong believes Akpabio is using his office to pursue a personal agenda against Akpoti-Uduaghan, which is evident in the Senate’s actions.
“This is a personal matter. Nigeria should stop making it about the legislative institution. This is a personal grievance between Senator Akpabio, who is the Senate President, and Senator Natasha. He is now using his office to achieve his own agenda,” Mr Effiong said.
The Peoples Democratic Party has condemned the Senate’s decision, urging Akpoti-Uduaghan to disregard the letter and resume her duties. The party sees this move as an attempt to silence opposition voices and undermine democracy.
Several SANs, including Kunle Edun, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, Adedayo Adedeji, and Wale Balogun, have criticized the Senate’s decision, arguing that it’s an overreach and an attempt to extend Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension indefinitely.
