The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CNCSOs) have condemned the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling it a calculated move to silence her. In a statement on Monday, the groups issued a seven-day ultimatum for Senate President Godswill Akpabio to step down, warning of mass protests and international mobilization if he fails to comply.
The statement, signed by CNPP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, James Ezema, and CNCSOs’ National Secretary, Alhaji Ali Abacha, accused the Senate of acting with bias and disregarding due process. They alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension was a direct retaliation for a petition she submitted, accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment.
The groups also criticized the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for proceeding with disciplinary actions despite a Federal High Court order restraining them. Justice Obiora Egwuatu had issued the order after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team filed an ex-parte application, but the Senate ignored the ruling and moved forward with her suspension.
Raising concerns about the speed of the Senate’s actions, the groups questioned how quickly the investigation, deliberation, and adoption of the committee’s report took place. “How can Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, as the Senate Leader, justify the urgency of this process? This reeks of bias and raises doubts about the integrity of the proceedings,” the statement read.
To ensure transparency, the groups proposed the creation of an independent investigative panel, with all proceedings broadcast live by both local and international media. As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on Akpabio to see how he will respond to the growing pressure.
