Labour Party Alleges Political Motive Behind Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension by Senate

In an interview with Vanguard on Thursday, LP National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, criticized the timing of the suspension, particularly just before International Women’s Day, suggesting that it sends the wrong message regarding women’s participation in governance. While recognizing that the suspension was linked to alleged breaches of Senate rules, Ifoh pointed out that the allegations of sexual harassment made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio had not been adequately investigated.

“What the Senate has done is illegal and unlikely to hold,” Ifoh stated. “They suspended the senator without providing her a fair hearing and ignored a court ruling that prevented such an action. This is a blatant abuse of power and a violation of her rights.”

The Labour Party spokesperson also expressed concern over the impact of the suspension on the people of Kogi Central, who elected Akpoti-Uduaghan to represent them in the Senate.

“Her suspension affects not just her, but the entire Kogi Central constituency, as their voices will be silenced in the Senate for six months,” Ifoh said. “This is an attack on democracy, and the Senate must reverse its decision to ensure due process is followed.”

The Labour Party has urged the Senate to uphold democratic values by lifting Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and ensuring a thorough investigation into the allegations she raised.