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Senate Under Pressure As PDP, SANs Protest Natasha’s Return Controversy
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Controversy Deepens as Senate Bars Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Resumption
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PDP, Rights Groups Demand Senate Reinstates Natasha Immediately
The Peoples Democratic Party and several Senior Advocates of Nigeria have criticised the Senate for stopping Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming legislative duties after completing her six-month suspension.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a letter dated September 4, the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr Yahaya Danzaria, informed the Kogi Central senator that she would not be allowed back until the Court of Appeal rules on her case against the Senate. The decision has sparked strong reactions from opposition leaders, legal experts, and rights groups.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 following allegations of insubordination, with her salaries, aides and privileges withdrawn. She has repeatedly insisted the action was politically motivated and tied to her petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of harassment.
Reacting, PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba described the Senate’s stance as an attack on democracy and an attempt to silence opposition voices. He accused the APC-led leadership of trying to deprive Kogi Central people of representation.
Legal experts, including Adedayo Adedeji (SAN), Wale Balogun (SAN), Paul Obi (SAN), and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), faulted the decision, warning that it amounts to extending her suspension illegally. They stressed that Akpoti-Uduaghan has served her full term and should be allowed back in line with the constitution.
Rights group SERAP also called the action unconstitutional, demanding her immediate reinstatement and payment of withheld entitlements. It argued that using pending court cases to delay her return undermines democratic principles.
Despite the opposition, the Senate leadership insists her suspension remains in force pending judicial pronouncement. With the chamber set to reconvene on September 23, the issue is expected to dominate proceedings.
