The Labour Party (LP) has requested that the Nigerian Senate reconsider its decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) for six months. In an interview with Vanguard, LP National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh criticised the suspension of the Kogi Senator, claiming it to be unjust and politically motivated.
Suspension Criticized as Unjust and Ill-Timed
The LP Publicity Secretary queried the timing of the suspension on the eve of International Women’s Day. He argued that the suspension sent the wrong message about women’s participation in governance.
While acknowledging that the suspension stemmed from alleged breaches of Senate rules, Ifoh contended that the allegations of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha against Senate President Godswill Akpabio had not been properly investigated.
“What the Senate has done is illegal and unlikely to stand.
“They suspended the senator without granting her a fair hearing and disregarded a court ruling that barred them from taking such action. This is a clear abuse of power and a violation of her rights,” Ifoh declared.
‘Kogi Central Has Been Denied Representation’
The Labour Party also raised concerns that the suspension effectively disenfranchises the people of Kogi Central, who elected Natasha to represent their interests in the Senate.
“Her suspension is not just about her as an individual. It means that the voices of Kogi Central residents will not be heard in the Senate for six months.
“This is an attack on democracy, and the Senate must reverse its decision to allow due process to take its course,” Ifoh stated.
Call for Reversal and Fair Investigation
The LP has called on the Senate to uphold democratic principles by lifting Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and ensuring that the allegations she raised are properly investigated. The party insists that due process must be followed, emphasizing that silencing an elected representative undermines democracy and the rule of law.
