The political standoff over Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan deepened Tuesday as the Senate formally blocked her return, citing pending litigation, despite her six-month suspension having expired.
The suspension was for six months. That period has lapsed. To deny resumption is effectively extending the punishment beyond law.”
A letter from Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr Yahaya Danzaria, insisted the suspension imposed on March 6 would remain in force until the Court of Appeal rules on her challenge.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemned the move as “a calculated attempt to silence opposition and deprive Kogi Central of representation.” Senior Advocates of Nigeria, including Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, Adedayo Adedeji, and Paul Obi, described the action as unconstitutional overreach.
Adedeji argued: “The suspension was for six months. That period has lapsed. To deny resumption is effectively extending the punishment beyond law.”
Civil rights group SERAP also weighed in, calling the Senate’s stance “a travesty of justice” and urging Senate President Godswill Akpabio to respect the rule of law.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has consistently alleged her suspension was politically motivated after she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, a charge he denies. Her failed attempt to force entry in July had already triggered public uproar.
With opposition mounting, legal analysts warn the case could snowball into a constitutional test of parliamentary power versus the people’s right to representation.
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