Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan’s Suspension from the Senate: A Grave Injustice and a Threat to Democratic Principles.
Millions of Nigerians viewed and heard the news of Senator Natasha Apoti Uduaghan’s suspension from the senate with utter dismay and shock. The turn of events that led to that erroneous decision on the recommendation of its Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions have been conscientiously followed by the CCND- The Collaborative Council of Nigerians in Diaspora. We of the CCND hereby express our profound dismay over this suspension.
The Senate committee, under questionable circumstances, ruled Senator Natasha’s refusal to address the Senate from a newly assigned seat as misconduct, and imposed a six-month suspension. What a ridiculous reason for suspending a representative of the people. That decision appears to be an act of political suppression, particularly as it followed Senator Natasha’s formal sexual assault petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. That allegation in a more people-oriented democratic clime should have attracted thorough and transparent investigation and NOT a suspension.
A lot of water has passed under the bridge since this unfortunate development, including the fact that this case is reported to be under litigation in the court. We of the CCND mince no words in declaring that very unfortunately we have little confidence in the court process.
Suffice it to highlight some of the very disturbing developments in this case leading on to the current status:
- Denial of Fair Hearing:
-Senator Natasha’s sexual assault petition was labelled “dead on arrival” and “sub-judice” at a time it was not before any court, thus setting a dangerous precedent for women in leadership, and reinforcing a culture of silence and impunity. - Political Suppression & Disenfranchisement:
-Senate disregard of the Federal High Court ruling which states that the Senate lacks the power to suspend a member beyond two weeks because suspension must be proportionate and must not disenfranchise constituents.
-The conduction of voice votes by the Senate President Akpabio in this matter is void of equity, equality, accountability, and transparency, thus raises concerns of a manipulated process. - Disregard for the Rule of Law:
-The Senate president and Ethics committee disregard of a court order to reinstate Senator Natasha reflects a dangerous trend of legislative impunity. Such actions erode public trust in governance and indicate that certain leaders believe they are above the law.
Based on the foregoing and as citizens deeply worried about the decadent state of Nigeria’s economy and her constitutional democracy, the CCND will proceed with the following: - Demands and Actions:
i. The Senate should immediately nullify Honorable Senator Natasha’s suspension and withdraw the case from the court.
ii. The Senate should institute an immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation of Senator Natasha’s sexual assault petition. Senator Natasha deserves fair hearing and should be heard.
iii. The CCND calls on the international community to take decisive action against individuals who engage in political persecution, suppression of women’s rights, and obstruction of justice.
iv. The CCND calls on the international community to place travel bans and asset freezes on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and key members of the Ethics Committee responsible for this injustice.
v. The CCND will mobilize international human rights organizations and foreign governments to condemn this suppression of justice and demand Senator Natasha’s reinstatement.
vi. The CCND will push for the United Nations, African Union, and ECOWAS to investigate gender-based political repression in Nigeria.
vii. The CCND will ask international courts and human rights bodies to monitor and intervene where necessary, ensuring that perpetrators of injustice face consequences under international law, and that women’s rights organizations worldwide should rally support for Senator Natasha to ensure this case is not ignored.
We of the CCND hope that reason and respect for democratic norms shall prevail and that the Nigerian senate under the leadership of Senator Akpabio shall do the necessary to bring some modicum of respectability to that supposedly honorable body and thus to the country we all love to call our own Nigeria.
Signed,
CCND
info@ccndglobal.org
https://ccndglobal.org
+1(706) 622-8458
CC:
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Senate President, NASS
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Speaker House of Assembly, NASS
Inspector General of Police
