The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has vehemently condemned the Nigerian Senate’s decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, labeling the move as unconstitutional and a threat to democratic principles.
In a statement released on Friday, CISLAC’s Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), asserted that the suspension violates Sections 68 and 69 of the 1999 Constitution, which delineate the lawful procedures for a legislator’s seat to be declared vacant.
Section 68 specifies that a legislator’s seat can only be declared vacant under specific circumstances such as resignation, defection, conviction, or recall by constituents through the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“By suspending Senator Natasha, the Senate has effectively denied the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District their right to representation, an action that constitutes an abuse of power,” CISLAC stated.
The organization also referenced past judicial rulings that have consistently declared legislative suspensions unlawful. Notably, in the case of Hon. Dino Melaye v House of Representatives (2009), the Federal High Court ruled that legislative chambers lack the authority to suspend elected members. Similarly, in Ali Ndume v Senate President & Ors (2018), the Court of Appeal nullified the senator’s suspension, reinforcing the principle that lawmakers cannot be arbitrarily removed by their peers.
CISLAC further questioned the impartiality of Senate President Godswill Akpabio in this matter, highlighting that Senator Natasha’s suspension stems from her raising sexual harassment allegations against him. The organization argued that allowing the Senate’s Ethics Committee—perceived as influenced by leadership—to dismiss the allegations without a fair and neutral review violates Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to a fair hearing.
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The group also warned that suspending lawmakers for expressing dissent weakens the oversight function of the National Assembly. “A legislature where members fear retribution for questioning leadership cannot function as a true democracy,” CISLAC cautioned, adding that such actions set a dangerous precedent where Senate leadership can silence opposition through suspensions, effectively turning the National Assembly into a tool of intimidation.
Expressing concern over the implications of the suspension on gender inclusion in politics, CISLAC noted that the decision discourages women from participating in governance. “This move sends a message that female lawmakers can be silenced and intimidated at will, reversing decades of progress toward gender inclusion,” the organization lamented.
In light of these concerns, CISLAC is demanding the immediate reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, urging the Senate to adhere to constitutional provisions and uphold democratic values.
