Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has strongly condemned the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Nigerian Senate, describing it as an attack on democratic principles and an attempt to foster a culture of silence. In a statement issued on Thursday, Adeyanju criticized the Senate’s handling of the allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, labeling the suspension as “illegal.”
Adeyanju, the managing partner of Deji Adeyanju & Partners, emphasized that even if the allegations are deemed frivolous, the Senate has an obligation to investigate them thoroughly. He argued that Akpabio, who faces accusations of sexual harassment and inappropriate remarks, should be given the opportunity to defend himself before the Senate Ethics Committee and cross-examine Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The lawyer also raised concerns over a conflict of interest, noting 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,” Adeyanju stated.
He further criticized the lack of due process, pointing out that neither Akpoti-Uduaghan nor Akpabio was allowed to appear before the committee. Adeyanju 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.”
Adeyanju called on Akpoti-Uduaghan to challenge her six-month suspension in court, stating that the action disenfranchises the people of Kogi Central, who are now left without representation. “The Senate has no right to suspend her,” he said. “The leadership must not wield its power to silence or intimidate elected representatives.”
He urged Akpoti-Uduaghan to resist efforts to bully and harass her, warning that her suspension sets a dangerous precedent for women and other voices seeking change in Nigeria.
DAILY MENTOR reports that Adeyanju’s condemnation highlights growing concerns over the Senate’s handling of internal disputes and its implications for democracy and representation in Nigeria. The case continues to draw widespread attention as stakeholders call for transparency and fairness in addressing the allegations.