 has criticized the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central){kind=link}
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has criticized the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, labelling it an act of intimidation.
Chairperson of the NBA Women Forum, Huwaila Muhammad, stated that the disciplinary action taken by the Senate leadership appears to stem from ongoing tensions between the female lawmaker and the Senate President.
Expressing concerns over the handling of allegations against Akpoti-Uduaghan, Muhammad questioned whether due process was followed before her suspension.
She emphasized that justice must be upheld, particularly in light of the serious sexual harassment allegations levelled against the Senate President.
“As legal professionals, we advocate for fairness. The allegations are significant, and the burden of proof lies on the accuser.
“However, suspending her in this manner raises concerns about intimidation,” Muhammad said.
She argued that the Senate President, being directly involved in the dispute, should have recused himself from decisions concerning the matter to ensure impartiality.
Nigeria, she noted, is a democracy, and all parties deserve a fair hearing. “If she fails to prove her claims, she will face the consequences, but outright suspension is not the solution,” she added.
Muhammad also questioned whether Akpoti-Uduaghan was allowed to respond before her suspension.
“Was she invited to defend herself? Did she decline to appear or send a representative? If she was not given a chance, then on what grounds was she suspended?”
She further cautioned lawmakers and public officials that the handling of this case is under national and international scrutiny.
How the Senate addresses the controversy, she warned, could either enhance or tarnish Nigeria’s democratic image.
“People are watching. The Senate is a revered institution, and this situation should not have escalated to this level,” Muhammad concluded.