Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, former minister and founder of the School of Politics, Policy and Governance, has strongly criticized the Nigerian Senate for extending the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan beyond six months, calling it an abuse of power and a violation of the Constitution.
In a statement titled “Senate’s Constitutional Overreach in the Case of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan,” Ezekwesili urged the Senate to end what she described as an illegal extension of suspension and allow the Kogi Central senator to resume her legislative duties.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, after accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.
Although her six-month suspension period has elapsed, the Senate recently informed her via a letter dated September 4 that the suspension would continue indefinitely, citing an ongoing court case.
Ezekwesili called this justification “fundamentally flawed,” arguing that the Senate cannot hide behind pending litigation to defy both constitutional mandates and a clear court ruling.
She referenced a Federal High Court judgment by Justice Binta Nyako, which declared the suspension excessive and unconstitutional.
According to the ruling, suspending a senator for six months especially when the National Assembly only sits for about 181 days a year—effectively silences the constituents who elected her.
“Democracy begins to die when lawmakers break the law,” Ezekwesili stated, adding that the Senate’s actions reflect a deepening disregard for accountability and judicial authority in Nigeria.
Despite her frustration with what she termed an “unreasonable political class,” Ezekwesili made a passionate appeal for the Senate to comply with the law, respect the court’s decision, and reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan immediately.
“This is not just about one senator,” she said.
“It’s about whether Nigerians are ready to defend democratic principles against abuse of power. Every day this injustice continues to erode the rule of law and sends a dangerous message to future generations.”
She called on citizens to unite in demanding that the Senate respect the Constitution and uphold the rights of all Nigerians.
