Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has strongly criticized the Senate for its recent decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over alleged misconduct during proceedings in the Red Chamber.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Falana emphasized that the Senate’s action was in direct violation of court rulings, particularly those from the Court of Appeal, which have imposed a ban on the suspension of lawmakers by the National Assembly’s leadership.
Falana described the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan as a clear example of legislative recklessness, asserting that the Senate’s decision is unlawful. He called for the immediate lifting of the suspension to prevent further damage to the credibility of the Senate.
The human rights lawyer also pointed out that the Federal High Court in Abuja had already issued a ruling restraining the Senate Ethics and Privileges Committee from addressing the complaints against Akpoti-Uduaghan. As a result, he argued that the senator’s suspension remains illegal.
“The Federal High Court had restrained the Senate Ethics Committee from hearing the complaint against the embattled senator pending the determination of the motion on notice the Senate ought to have stayed action in accordance with the rule of law,” Falana stated.
