The Community Outreach for Development and Welfare Advocacy (CODWA) has strongly condemned the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Nigerian Senate, calling it an abuse of power and a violation of the Constitution.
The group is demanding that Senate President Godswill Akpabio step aside from the matter and allow a neutral Senator to preside over the proceedings.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Taiwo Otitolaye, CODWA argued that the suspension is not only unjust but also sets a dangerous precedent for silencing dissenting voices in the National Assembly.
The organization cited legal precedents to support its claims, referencing the Appeal Court’s ruling in Speaker, Bauchi State House of Assembly v. Hon. Rifkatu Samson Danna (2017) 49 W.R.N., which emphasized that legislative suspensions must comply with constitutional provisions.
CODWA also pointed to past cases where courts ruled against legislative suspensions, such as Senator Ali Ndume’s case (2017) and Senator Ovie Omo-Agege’s case (2018), where the Federal High Court in Abuja declared their suspensions illegal, unlawful, and unconstitutional.
The group further noted that the Federal High Court in Abuja had recently restrained the Senate from taking further action against Senator Natasha, yet the legislative body proceeded with her suspension.
Additionally, CODWA raised concerns about the composition of the Senate’s Disciplinary, Ethics, and Petition Committee, arguing that it had been compromised and could not guarantee a fair and impartial investigation.
Otitolaye also challenged other lawmakers to speak out on the issue. “The silence of the positive voices in the Senate is deafening. Are they afraid of losing privileges from Senator Akpabio’s table? Where are all the lawyers in the Hallowed Chamber? Have they forgotten legal best practices?” he questioned.
CODWA vowed to continue advocating against the suspension, declaring its commitment to justice and democratic principles.
The statement reads in part; “The recent suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Senate is an egregious abuse of power and a clear violation of the Constitution. This move is not only unjust but also sets a dangerous precedent for the silencing of dissenting voices.
“The Appeal Court’s judgment in the case of Speaker Bauchi State House of Assembly v Hon. Rifkatu Samson Danna (2017) 49 W.R.N.
“Also in the cases of Senators Ali Ndume (2017). The Federal High Court in Abuja declared his 90 days suspension “illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional”
“The Federal High Court in Abuja (2018), equally nullified the suspension of Senator Ovie Omo Agege clearly states that any House Rules in conflict with the Constitution are null and void to the extent of their inconsistency with the Constitution.
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“Furthermore, the recent Federal High Court sitting in Abuja restrained the Senate from taking further actions against Senator Natasha, yet the Senate proceeded with the suspension.
“The composition of the Disciplinary Ethics and Petition Committee, tasked with investigating Senator Natasha, has been compromised. This raises serious concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the committee’s findings.
“Most egregiously, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has presided over his own case, despite being accused by Senator Natasha. As a senior lawyer, Akpabio should know that he cannot preside over a matter in which he has been accused. His failure to recuse himself is a clear conflict of interest.
“We demand that Senator Akpabio step down and allow a credible Senator to preside over this matter. The Senate must reconsider this unjust suspension and uphold the Constitution.
“The silence of the positive voices in the Senate is deafening. Are they afraid of losing privileges from Senator Akpabio’s table?
“Where are all the Lawyer in the Hallowed Chamber, have they forgotten legal best practices?
“We urge them to speak out against this injustice. This suspension will not stand. We stand in solidarity with Senator Natasha and demand justice,” the statement added.
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