The Digest:
The Senate faces mounting legal and political pressure after blocking Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming duties despite the expiration of her six-month suspension. The move, citing a pending court appeal, has drawn condemnation from the PDP and senior lawyers who accuse the Senate of violating constitutional principles and depriving Kogi Central of representation.
Key Points:
- The Senate Clerk formally notified Akpoti-Uduaghan that her suspension remains until the court appeal is resolved
- PDP accused the Senate of “creeping totalitarianism” and targeting opposition voices
- Multiple SANs argued the suspension expiry should allow automatic resumption, calling the blockade “overreach.”
- The case tests the constitutional limits of legislative power vs. citizens’ right to representation
- SERAP condemned the action as a violation of international human rights covenants
- Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension stemmed from allegations against Senate President Akpabio
- Legal opinions emphasize that the six-month punishment has been served regardless of court appeals
Institutional Standoff.
Sources: Nairaland, PDP Statement,
