Human Rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju reacts to Sen Natasha’s suspension
By Yahaya Idris
Deji Adeyanju, a Nigerian human rights lawyer and activist, has criticized the Senate’s suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling it a violation of democratic principles.
He said that the suspension is illegal and a blatant attempt to silence Akpoti-Uduaghan amidst her petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over allegations of sexual harassment.
Adeyanju raised concerns regarding the handling of the matter by the Senate Committee on Ethics, pointing out a potential conflict of interest because the committee’s chairman had previously defended Akpabio.
He noted that neither Akpoti-Uduaghan nor Akpabio were allowed to appear before the committee for a proper investigation, which he believes mirrors the troubling practices seen in the electoral system.
Adeyanju is urging Akpoti-Uduaghan to challenge her six-month suspension in court, adding that the action disenfranchises the people of Kogi Central.
In a statement on Thursday, he argued that even if the lawmaker’s accusations are without merit, the senate still has a duty to investigate the allegations.
He insisted that Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who is facing allegations of sexual harassment and unprofessional conduct, should be afforded the opportunity to defend himself before the Senate Ethics Committee and cross-examine Akpoti.
“Even if the allegations made by Natasha are deemed frivolous, the Senate has an obligation to investigate them thoroughly,” Adeyanju stated.
Adeyanju also raised concerns over a conflict of interest, highlighting that the chairman of the Ethics Committee had publicly defended Akpabio before presiding over the investigation.
“Akpabio cannot serve as a judge in his own case. For the sake of justice and fairness, he must step aside,” he added.
The lawyer criticised the lack of due process, noting that neither Akpoti-Uduaghan nor Akpabio was allowed to appear before the committee.
He compared the handling of the case to irregularities in Nigeria’s electoral process, where “results are declared in the dead of night without proper scrutiny.”
Calling on Akpoti-Uduaghan to challenge her six-month suspension in court, Adeyanju said the action disenfranchises the people of Kogi Central, who are now left without representation.
He said, “The Senate has no right to suspend her.
“The leadership must not wield its power to silence or intimidate elected representatives.”
Adeyanju urged her to resist efforts to bully and harass her, stating that her suspension sets a dangerous precedent for women and other voices seeking change in Nigeria.
