Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has criticised the Senate for suspending Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Falana described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension as an abuse of power.
In a statement on Monday, Falana warned that “suspending legislators at the whims and caprices of leaders of the federal and state legislative houses must not be allowed to continue in Nigeria.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended for six months on Thursday, after a heated argument with Senate President Godswill Akpabio on February 20.
This came after she protested the reassignment of her seat, calling it an attempt to silence her.
Later, on February 28, she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment.
On March 5, a federal high court in Abuja ordered the Senate committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions to stop its disciplinary hearing.
However, the committee ignored the order and recommended a six-month suspension.
They also added that the punishment could be reduced if she publicly apologized.
The Senate later approved the committee’s report and suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for “gross misconduct” during plenary.
Reacting to the suspension, Falana said courts have reinstated all lawmakers previously suspended by the national or state legislatures.
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