The Human Rights Pathfinders Association has urged the Senate, under the leadership of Godswill Akpabio, to immediately recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, stressing that her prolonged suspension undermines justice and democratic representation.
In a statement made available to journalists, the group noted that the six-month suspension earlier imposed on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has elapsed, insisting that the Senate no longer has any moral or constitutional basis to keep her away from legislative duties.
“The Senate must not convert a temporary disciplinary measure into perpetual punishment. The six-month suspension has expired, and extending it further amounts to legislative overreach,” the association stated.
Citing Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees every Nigerian the right to freedom of expression and association, the Human Rights Pathfinders argued that the Senate’s refusal to recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan infringes upon her fundamental rights and, more importantly, denies the people of Kogi Central their voice in national decision-making.
“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was duly elected by the people of Kogi Central to represent their interests. By withholding her recall, the Senate is not only punishing her but also silencing an entire constituency. That is both undemocratic and unjust,” the statement read.
The association, therefore, called on Senate President Akpabio and the leadership of the National Assembly to respect constitutional provisions and immediately restore Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat. It warned that failure to do so would further erode public confidence in the Senate as an institution meant to protect democracy.
The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has continued to generate public concern, with rights groups, civil society organizations, and constituents mounting pressure on the Senate to end what many now describe as an unjustifiable political sanction.
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