Lawyer Condemns Senate Over Blocking Of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Return
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has criticised the Nigerian Senate for barring Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming her legislative duties, despite the completion of her six-month suspension.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, over allegations of insubordination after she rejected a change of her designated seat during a plenary session.
She challenged the suspension in court and also informed the Senate of her intention to return on September 4, the day her suspension ended.
The Senate, in a letter signed by Acting Clerk Yahaya Danzaria on September 4, acknowledged her notification but said she could not resume, citing a pending Court of Appeal case she filed against the chamber.
The letter stated that the suspension would remain in force until the judicial process concludes, adding, “The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption.”
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Effiong condemned the Senate’s decision, arguing it violates the Constitution and amounts to double punishment.
He said, “What is the substance of the appeal? The substance of the appeal relates to the legality and constitutionality of the six months suspension which has now elapsed. Because what they are now doing amounts to double jeopardy. She has been penalised for a definite period and has served that definite period.”
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