CISLAC Condemns Senator Natasha's Suspension as Illegal and Unconstitutional

By Abdullahi Alhassan Kaduna 

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has strongly criticized the Nigerian Senate's decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months. In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), CISLAC described the suspension as an unconstitutional move that undermines democracy and legislative independence.

According to CISLAC, the suspension directly violates the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and sets a dangerous precedent for legislative governance. The organization argued that the suspension of an elected senator contradicts Sections 68 and 69 of the 1999 Constitution, which clearly outline the lawful processes for a legislator to lose their seat.

Rafsanjani stated that the Senate's decision is "legally baseless" and constitutes an abuse of power, denying the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District their right to representation. CISLAC also highlighted past judicial rulings that have consistently declared legislative suspensions unlawful, citing cases such as Hon. Dino Melaye v House of Representatives (2009) and Ali Ndume v Senate President & Ors (2018).

The organization questioned the impartiality of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, in handling the matter, particularly since Senator Natasha's suspension stems from her raising sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio. CISLAC argued that the Senate's Ethics Committee failed to uphold integrity by dismissing the allegations without a fair and neutral review, violating Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

CISLAC warned that suspending lawmakers for expressing dissent weakens the oversight function of the National Assembly and sets a dangerous precedent where Senate leadership can silence opposition through suspensions. The organization also expressed concern over the implications of the suspension on gender inclusion in politics, stating that the decision discourages women from participating in governance.

Furthermore, CISLAC criticized the Ethics Committee for failing to conduct a transparent investigation into the sexual harassment claims. The organization expressed concern over the global reputational damage caused by the Senate's decision, emphasizing that it has legitimized attacks on freedom of expression, encouraged intimidation, and institutionalized sexual harassment in public spaces.

CISLAC demanded the immediate reinstatement of Senator Natasha and urged the Senate to retract its decision and uphold democratic principles and the peaceful resolution of the crisis.