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Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.
Abuja – On Wednesday, September 9, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) condemned the move to hinder the suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return to legislative duties, describing it as an abuse of power and a direct assault on Nigeria’s democratic principles.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party accused the Senate leadership of disregarding both legal precedent and moral obligation by preventing the Kogi Central Senator from resuming her role after completing a six-month suspension.
Legit.ng reported that the Godswill Akpabio-led Senate stated that her six-month suspension remains in force pending the outcome of a Court of Appeal case instituted against the Senate by Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan.
ADC challenges Senate leadership
Reacting on Wednesday, the ADC cautioned that the continued obstruction mirrors the APC-led government’s growing intolerance for democracy, aimed at stifling opposition and suppressing dissenting voices.
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Abdullahi stated:
“The African Democratic Congress observes with deep concern the continued obstruction of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming her seat in the Nigerian Senate after the completion of her six-month suspension. We consider this development not only malicious but also deeply injurious to the spirit of our constitutional democracy, especially the right to dissent.”
ADC expressed concern that throughout her suspension, Senator Natasha was stripped of her salary, aides, and office access, stressing that these are essential tools for public service, not mere privileges.
The statement read in part:
“To strip an elected senator of these tools is not discipline, it is institutional mugging.
“We challenge the Senate President and his colleagues to explain why a suspension that has run its course should be made indefinite by stealth.”
ADC demands Natasha’s immediate reinstatement
The ADC further highlighted that the Senate’s handling of one of its few female members carries wider consequences for women’s political participation.
It added:
“The ADC, therefore, stands firmly in defence of democratic principles and women’s political participation. We therefore demand that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan be allowed to resume her duties immediately.”
Read more about Natasha here:
Natasha resumes Senate after London trip – Lawyer
Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, will return to the National Assembly later this month after completing her six-month suspension.
The Kogi state senator’s lawyer, Victor Giwa, disclosed that the senator, currently on vacation in London, had already made plans to resume plenary alongside her colleagues when the Senate reconvenes on Tuesday, September 23.
“Actually, she’s ready to resume her term. She’s in London. Everything is in place, and the six months have expired. The only thing left is her resumption,” Giwa said.
Source: Legit.ng
