Olu Samuel
The Center for Peace, Democracy, and Development (CPDD) had expressed deep concern over the recent allegations of sexual harassment leveled against the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The center also called for the reinstatement of suspended Kogi Senator
A communique issued on Monday in Lokoja,’ and signed by the Director of center, Dan Alphaeus Adejoh
Stated that “the allegations, coupled with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s subsequent suspension from the Senate, raised serious questions about the abuse of power and the integrity of democratic institutions in Nigeria”.
“The CPDD firmly believes that the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, despite multiple judicial rulings deeming such actions illegal, undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent for the suppression of dissenting voices within the legislative arm of government. This action not only violates the principles of justice but also deprives the constituents of Kogi Central of their rightful representation in the Senate”.
The center noted that court judgments that have addressed the limits of the Senate’s power to suspend elected members where The Court of Appeal ruled that the six-month suspension of Senator Ali Ndume was illegal and unconstitutional. The court emphasized that prolonged suspensions undermine the democratic rights of the electorate and violate due process
The other limitations as identified by the center is The Federal High Court declaration of the suspension of Honourable Dino Melaye and 10 other legislators illegal and unconstitutional. The court ruled that such suspensions deprived constituents of their right to representation
Also ,The Bauchi State High Court declared the suspension of Honourable Rifkatu Danna illegal, stating that it breached the right of her constituents to representation. This judgment was upheld by the Court of Appeal in 2017
Similarly,The Federal High Court nullified the suspension of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, ruling it unconstitutional and emphasizing that elected lawmakers cannot be arbitrarily removed from their duties.
“These cases collectively highlight the judiciary’s stance that the suspension of elected members must not infringe upon the constitutional rights of their constituents to representation.
The discrepancy between the stipulated 14-day suspension in the Senate Standing Order specifically Order 67 (2015 as amended) and the imposed 6-month suspension on Senator Natasha, indeed raises significant legal and procedural questions. If the Senate relies on its Standing Orders, any deviation from these rules could be seen as an overreach or abuse of power.
In such cases, the Senate’s actions must align with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which is the supreme law of the land. The Constitution guarantees the right of constituents to representation and ensures that no legislative body can act in a manner that undermines these rights.
In light of these developments, the CPDD calls for “An independent and transparent investigation must be conducted into the allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President. This investigation should be free from political interference and aimed at uncovering the truth to uphold justice and accountability.
The Senate must immediately reverse the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and restore her legislative rights, entitlements, and privileges. This is essential to ensure that the voices of her constituents are not silenced.
The powers of the Senate President must be reviewed to prevent any potential abuse of authority. Checks and balances are crucial to maintaining the integrity of democratic institutions and safeguarding the rights of all lawmakers.
The CPDD reiterates its commitment to promoting peace, democracy, and development in Nigeria. We urge all stakeholders, including civil society organizations, the judiciary, and the international community, to join us in advocating for justice and accountability in this matter.