Femi Falana, a prominent human rights lawyer, has strongly criticized the Nigerian Senate’s suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, arguing it is unconstitutional and violates court rulings..
In a statement issued on Sunday, Falana expressed dismay at the Senate’s decision, warning that it undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent.
He noted that the Senate acted in defiance of a subsisting order from the Federal High Court, which had restrained its Ethics Committee from proceeding against the embattled senator.
“This is not the first time Nigerian courts have declared such legislative suspensions illegal,” Falana said, citing landmark cases including the annulled suspensions of Senators Ali Ndume (2017) and Ovie Omo-Agege (2020), among others.
Falana recalled several judgments across various courts — from Abuja to Akure, Lokoja to Jigawa — where suspensions of lawmakers were overturned and legislators were reinstated with full entitlements.
“The illegal suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is the height of legislative recklessness and should be lifted without delay,” Falana stated, adding that her constituents have now been unjustly deprived of representation due to what he termed “official impunity.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension came after weeks of tension with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The conflict escalated on February 20 following a heated exchange after the senator discovered her seat had been unilaterally reassigned — a move she protested, citing violation of Senate rules.
Akpabio reportedly ordered her removal from the chamber and warned of possible disciplinary action.
The suspended lawmaker has also alleged systematic marginalisation and harassment, including exclusion from Senate delegations and removal from international events.
She further claimed her ordeal stemmed from rejecting sexual advances allegedly made by the Senate President — a claim that has triggered public outrage.
Former Education Minister, Oby Ezekwesili, joined the chorus of condemnation, describing the Senate’s treatment of Akpoti-Uduaghan as humiliating and unjust.
Over 300 women’s groups have also demanded a public apology from Akpabio.
Falana’s comprehensive statement referenced multiple court rulings where legislators unlawfully suspended were reinstated and compensated.
He emphasized that legislative leaders cannot continue to act arbitrarily without regard for established legal principles.
“The courts have made definitive pronouncements on this issue. Any further disregard for these decisions amounts to an attack on democratic institutions,” he warned.
The senior advocate urged the Senate to reverse the suspension immediately and abide by the court order, noting that failure to do so would continue to erode public trust in the legislative institution.