The Kogi State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party has strongly condemned the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing the decision as unjust and a violation of her rights and privileges.
In a statement issued by the State Publicity Secretary, Umoru Aruwa, the party argued that the suspension denies the senator’s constituency representation in the upper chamber, for which she was duly elected.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for “gross misconduct” following a heated debate with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements on February 20. The suspension was recommended by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct.
The PDP’s statement read in part, “The suspension, which was recommended by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Code of Conduct, and the haste at which it was done, is a gross overreaction to the senator’s petition against the Senate President. We believe this decision is politically motivated and aimed at silencing the senator’s voice.”
The party outlined several reasons why the suspension is wrong, stating, “Firstly, it is an infringement on the Senator’s rights. The suspension violates Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to freedom of speech and expression. Secondly, it lacks the principle of Fair Hearing. The senator was not given fair hearing, and the committee’s recommendations were based on biased and one-sided information. Thirdly, it is politically Motivated. The suspension is clearly politically motivated, aimed at punishing the senator for her criticism of the Senate President.”
The PDP called for the immediate reversal of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, demanding, “The Senate should immediately reverse the suspension and restore Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s rights and privileges. The Senate should conduct a fair and impartial investigation into the allegations against the senator, ensuring that she is given a fair hearing. The Senate should uphold the principles of democracy, including the right to freedom of speech and expression, and ensure that its actions are guided by the rule of law.”
The statement concluded, “The PDP Kogi State chapter stands solidly behind Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and demands that the Senate takes immediate action to correct this injustice.”
Meanwhile, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan responded to her suspension in a Facebook post, describing it as unjust. She wrote, “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. The illegal suspension does not withdraw my legitimacy as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and 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.”