Deji Adeyanju, a prominent human rights lawyer, has strongly condemned the recent suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Nigerian Senate, describing it as an illegal act that undermines democratic principles and the very foundation of transparency in the country.
In a public statement, Adeyanju expressed his deep concern, stating: “I am deeply saddened over the illegal suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Nigerian Senate. This act is not only a blatant violation of her rights but also an affront to the very foundation of democratic principles and transparency that our nation purports to uphold.”
Adeyanju further emphasised the Senate’s duty to thoroughly investigate the allegations made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, regardless of their perceived validity. He called for an impartial investigation into the sexual harassment allegations against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, pointing out that both parties must be given the opportunity to appear before a Senate committee. “Even if the allegations are deemed frivolous, the Senate has an obligation to investigate them thoroughly,” he said.
The human rights lawyer also expressed dismay at the conflict of interest surrounding the investigation. He pointed out that the chairman of the Ethics Committee, who had publicly defended Akpabio prior to the inquiry, presided over the investigation against Akpoti-Uduaghan. “This is a clear conflict of interest. Akpabio cannot serve as a judge in his own matter. For the sake of justice and fairness, he must step aside,” Adeyanju urged.
The Managing Partner at DEJI Adeyanju & Partners, also condemned the lack of due process, noting that neither Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan nor Akpabio were allowed to appear before the committee for a proper investigation. He compared the situation to the problematic practices in the electoral system, where results are often declared without proper scrutiny. “The absence of a fair investigation and the rush to conclusions send a dangerous message to our youth, teaching them that accountability and integrity are negotiable,” he warned.
In a heartfelt appeal, Adeyanju encouraged Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to challenge her suspension in court. “I call on my dear sister and friend, Senator Natasha, to challenge her illegal suspension in court. I must also encourage her that her challenges are not new as women who seek change face these challenges daily in the corridors of power and even in religious places of worship,” he said.
He further stated that the suspension denies the people of Kogi Central proper representation, urging Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to resist any attempts to silence, bully, or intimidate her. “The Senate has no right to suspend her; the very same democratic process that brought many of its members to power is the same process through which Natasha was elected. The Senate leadership is merely first among equals and must not wield this power to undermine the representation of the people.”
Deji Adeyanju concluded his statement by reaffirming his support for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and reiterated the importance of upholding justice, transparency, and accountability in the Senate.
