National
New Warfront Opened In Akpabio, Natasha Battle
By Benjamin Abioye
A group of constituents from Kogi Central has filed a lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Senate, challenging the six-month suspension of their representative, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan came after the Senate rejected a sexual harassment petition she filed against Akpabio, a development that has peeved her constituents in Kogi Central.
Neda Imaseun, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Conduct, Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, stated that the investigation revealed Akpoti-Uduaghan violated Senate rules.
The lawsuit, filed at the Abuja Federal High Court claims that the suspension violates the Kogi Central constituents’ constitutional right to political representation by the Akpabio Senate.
The plaintiffs are being represented by human rights lawyer Femi Falana who argue that the suspension undermines democratic principles and goes against Article 13(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. This article ensures citizens’ right to participate in government through elected representatives.
The plaintiffs argue that the suspension has silenced the voice of Kogi Central constituents in national debates and legislative activities in the Akpabio led Senate.
They believe the Senate acted outside its authority and without legal grounds. The applicants seek a declaration that the Senate lacks the power to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan under the African Charter and demand that her suspension be reversed. They are requesting the restoration of her rights, including access to her office, participation in Senate proceedings, and payment of all outstanding entitlements.
The applicants in the lawsuit are Ovavu Iliyasu, Isah Otini, Onivehu Amoto, Isah Mediant, Ogunmola Samuel, Umar Oyiza, Megida Sadiq, Siyaka Akinlade, Michael Ademola, and Ananyi Omeiza. As of now, no hearing date has been set.
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