The Nigerian Senate’s action suspending Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months has drawn backlash, as a civil society organizations caution that this action threatens democracy and the autonomy of the legislature.
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has denounced the suspension, deeming it unconstitutional and a breach of the representation rights for the constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District.
In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), CISLAC emphasized that “the suspension of an elected senator is contrary to Sections 68 and 69 of the 1999 Constitution, which clearly outline the proper procedures for a legislator to be removed from office.” The organization highlighted that a legislator can only be removed through resignation, defection, conviction, or recall by voters through the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Rafsanjani argued that the Senate’s decision lacked legal grounding, highlighting that Section 69 specifies recall as the only constitutional means for removing an elected official. He stressed that the suspension of Senator Natasha has deprived the people of Kogi Central of their right to representation, characterizing this action as an abuse of power, as stated by the CISLAC leader.
The controversy over the suspension has deepened amid accusations that it relates to Senator Natasha’s recent sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. CISLAC condemned the Senate’s Ethics Committee for rejecting the claims without a fair examination, contending that this breaches Section 36(1) of the Constitution, which ensures the right to a fair hearing. The organization stated, “The principle of Nemo Judex in Causa Sua (no one should be a judge in their own case) has been entirely ignored in this situation.”
CISLAC highlighted legal cases like Hon. Dino Melaye v House of Representatives (2009) and Ali Ndume v Senate President & Ors (2018), which established that legislative bodies cannot suspend elected officials. Rafsanjani remarked, “This suspension not only goes against established judicial rulings but also threatens legislative independence by quashing dissenting views.”
The group cautioned that this action establishes a perilous precedent, allowing Senate leaders to silence dissent via suspensions, which transforms the National Assembly into an instrument of intimidation. “A legislature where members are afraid of retaliation for challenging leadership cannot operate as a genuine democracy,” CISLAC asserted.
In addition to legal and democratic issues, CISLAC expressed concern about the suspension’s effects on gender representation in politics. The organization pointed out that this decision deters women from engaging in governance and conveys that female lawmakers can be easily silenced. Furthermore, they criticized the Ethics Committee for lacking integrity by dismissing the harassment allegations without conducting a thorough and transparent investigation.
The Senate’s actions have also drawn attention to international consequences, with CISLAC cautioning that Nigeria may harm its global standing. The organization pointed out, “This action has legitimized attacks on freedom of expression, fostered intimidation, and normalized sexual harassment in public areas,” warning that these developments could jeopardize Nigeria’s credibility internationally.
CISLAC has urged the swift reinstatement of Senator Natasha and called on the Senate to overturn its decision. The statement emphasized, “We insist that the Senate reverse this unconstitutional move and maintain democratic values.”
