Ebira people in diaspora under the aegis of of Ebira First of North America has condemned the six months suspension of the lawmaker representing Kogi Central senatorial district district, Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan from the Senate.
In a letter addressed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, the group stated that the Ebira diaspora community in North America, are deeply disturbed and view the decision as highly detrimental to the well-being of the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District, adding that it could cause irreversible damage to ongoing efforts to improve their lives.
The letter reads:
“We, the members of Ebira First of North America, express our grave concern and strong opposition to the recent six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District. We, the diaspora community in North America, are deeply disturbed and view this decision as highly detrimental to the well-being of our people in Kogi Central Senatorial District. It could also cause irreversible damage to ongoing efforts to improve their lives.
“The Nigerian Constitution guarantees the rights of all duly elected representatives to discharge their
legislative duties without undue interference or politically motivated sanctions. Specifically, Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) vests legislative powers in the National Assembly, ensuring that senators, as elected representatives of their people, are accountable to their constituents and not subject to arbitrary suspension. Furthermore, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has, in multiple rulings, established that suspending an elected legislator for an extended period is unconstitutional, as it effectively disenfranchises the constituents they represent. Below are some notable cases and rulings that reinforce this principle:
“1. House of Assembly, Rivers State v. Speaker, House of Assembly, Rivers State (2023)
Facts: The Rivers State House of Assembly suspended some lawmakers indefinitely due to political
disagreements.
Ruling: The Supreme Court held that suspending an elected legislator indefinitely violates Section 4
of the 1999 Constitution as it prevents the people of that constituency from having representation.
“2. Dino Melaye v. Senate & Ors (2018)
Facts: Senator Dino Melaye was suspended for 90 days by the 8th Senate after a controversial
altercation.
Ruling: The Court of Appeal ruled that the Senate has no constitutional power to suspend an
elected senator for an extended period, as it denies his constituents representation.
“Impact: The court reinforced that legislative suspensions cannot be arbitrary or violate democratic
principles.
“3. Ali Ndume v. Senate (2018)
Facts: Senator Ali Ndume was suspended by the Senate of Nigeria for six months after demanding
an investigation into allegations against Senate leadership.
Ruling: The Federal High Court ruled that the Senate’s suspension of Ndume was
unconstitutional, ordering his immediate reinstatement.
Reasoning: The court held that an elected legislator represents the people and suspending them for
an extended period deprives their constituency of representation.
“4. Inakoju v. Adeleke (2007)
Facts: This case involved the improper impeachment of the Governor of Oyo State, but the ruling set
an important precedent about due process in legislative actions.
Ruling: The Supreme Court emphasized that democratic representation cannot be arbitrarily
taken away, whether by suspension or removal, without strict adherence to constitutional
procedures.
“We call on the Senate body to rescind the action taken against Senator Natasha Apoti-Uduaghan with
immediate effect. We view this action as an attempt to marginalize her constituents in Kogi Central, for half a year. Such a measure undermines democratic principles, restricts free speech, and contradicts the
principles of fairness, equity, and justice. It also sets a dangerous precedent that could be used to silence
opposition voices, eroding the very essence of our democracy.
“We call upon the Senate to reconsider this suspension and immediately reinstate Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to her rightful position. The people of Kogi Central must not be deprived of their voice in national affairs, and any punitive measures should follow due process in line with constitutional and judicial precedents.
“Your Excellency, as the leader of the Senate, we urge you to uphold the tenets of democracy and ensure that fairness and justice prevail. We trust in your leadership to rectify this injustice and restore Kogi Central’s representation in the Senate.
“We look forward to your prompt action in ensuring that democracy is not subverted in Kogi Central
Senatorial District regarding this urgent matter.”
