Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has strongly condemned the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Nigerian Senate, describing it as an attack on democratic principles and an attempt to foster a culture of silence.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Adeyanju, a human rights lawyer and the managing partner of Deji Adeyanju & Partners, called the suspension “illegal” and criticised the Senate’s handling of the allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
“Even if the allegations made by Natasha are deemed frivolous, the Senate has an obligation to investigate them thoroughly,” Adeyanju stated.
He argued that Akpabio, who faces accusations of sexual harassment and inappropriate remarks, should be given the opportunity to defend himself before the Senate Ethics Committee and cross-examine Akpoti.
Adeyanju also raised concerns over a conflict of interest, highlighting that the chairman of the Ethics Committee had publicly defended Akpabio before presiding over the investigation.
“Akpabio cannot serve as a judge in his own case. For the sake of justice and fairness, he must step aside,” he added.
The lawyer criticised the lack of due process, noting that neither Akpoti-Uduaghan nor Akpabio was allowed to appear before the committee.
He compared the handling of the case to irregularities in Nigeria’s electoral process, where “results are declared in the dead of night without proper scrutiny.”
Calling on Akpoti-Uduaghan to challenge her six-month suspension in court, Adeyanju said the action disenfranchises the people of Kogi Central, who are now left without representation.
“The Senate has no right to suspend her,” he said. “The leadership must not wield its power to silence or intimidate elected representatives.”
Adeyanju urged her to resist efforts to bully and harass her, stating that her suspension sets a dangerous precedent for women and other voices seeking change in Nigeria.
Seek redress in court — Adeyanju urges suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
