Senate Must Answer To Nigerians For Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Unjust Suspension” – Ex-Lawmaker Declares

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday night, Idahosa accused the Senate of disregarding judicial authority by proceeding with the suspension despite a court order halting the process. “They haven’t just wronged Uduaghan; they’ve wronged Nigeria,” he declared.

The senior lawyer emphasized that both the Senate and its Committee on Ethics had been officially served a court injunction preventing any action against Akpoti-Uduaghan. However, they went ahead with the suspension without affording her a fair hearing.

“A court order was served on the Senate of Nigeria and the Committee in charge of Ethics just a few days ago, with proof of service. This was widely circulated on social media, yet they still proceeded,” Idahosa stated.

He pointed out that the order was delivered through the Office of the Clerk, yet the Senate rushed through the process without allowing the embattled senator to present her defense.

“The person facing suspension wasn’t even present. There was no fair hearing—no chance to respond, which violates Section 36 of the Constitution. At the same time, the Senate blatantly ignored a court order,” he argued.

Idahosa warned that the Senate’s defiance of judicial orders contributes to the erosion of Nigeria’s judiciary.

“Then they turn around and complain that the judiciary isn’t strong enough. Yet, through actions like this, they are the ones actively undermining the justice system,” he said.

‘Suspension Was Pre-Planned’

The former lawmaker further alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was premeditated. He recalled that Senate President Godswill Akpabio had hinted at the move after she invoked Order 10 over the reallocation of seats in the chamber.