Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan Denounces Suspension as Unjust, Claims It Violates Principles of Natural Justice
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Abuja, March 6, 2025 (NAN)
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents the Kogi Central Senatorial District, has expressed her strong opposition to her suspension from the Senate, deeming it unjust and a violation of the fundamental principles of natural justice, fairness, and equity. The suspension, which lasts for six months, was imposed following recommendations by the Senate’s Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions. The committee cited Akpoti-Uduaghan’s alleged “total violation of the Senate Standing Orders, 2023 as amended” as the grounds for the action.
The Senate’s decision also included the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s salaries and allowances during her suspension period. However, in a response posted on her official Facebook page, Akpoti-Uduaghan did not hold back in condemning the suspension, which she termed as an attempt to silence and intimidate her.
“Against the culture of silence, intimidation, and victim-shaming, my unjust suspension from the Nigerian Senate invalidates the principles of natural justice, fairness, and equity,” Akpoti-Uduaghan wrote. She continued, emphasizing that the suspension did not affect her legitimacy as an elected senator, stating, “The illegal suspension does not withdraw my legitimacy as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
In her public statement, the senator made it clear that she would continue to serve her constituents in Kogi Central and the nation at large, despite the suspension. She vowed to fulfill her duties with dedication and commitment, asserting that her position would not be compromised. “I will continue to use my duly elected position to serve my constituents and country to the best of my ability till 2027 and beyond,” she declared.
The suspension has sparked reactions from various quarters, with some accusing the Senate of overstepping its bounds and acting unfairly. Critics argue that the punishment, which includes a suspension from the Senate and the withholding of salaries, appears disproportionate to the allegations leveled against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The issue has also raised questions about the internal workings of the Senate and the fairness of its disciplinary actions. Supporters of Akpoti-Uduaghan have rallied behind her, claiming that the suspension is politically motivated and part of a larger effort to silence dissenting voices within the legislative body.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, a strong advocate for the rights of her constituents, has built a reputation for speaking out on issues related to social justice and good governance. Her supporters have expressed concern that her suspension is an attempt to stifle her efforts to bring about reforms and hold the government accountable.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan remains a significant topic of debate in Nigerian political circles, with many questioning the fairness of the Senate’s actions and the broader implications for the democratic process.
