ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has raised concerns over the speed at which Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the Senate, questioning the adherence to due process and calling for an independent inquiry into her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a statement signed by Country Director Andrew Mamedu, AAN acknowledged the authority of the Senate Committee on Ethics to discipline members but expressed reservations about the expedited nature of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.
“The speed with which the Senate’s Ethics Committee investigated, ruled on, and implemented her suspension raises concerns about due process. Within 24 hours, she was subjected to an inquiry, found guilty, and suspended for six months—losing her salary, allowances, security details, and office access. Given the weight of this decision, should such a process not have undergone thorough deliberation in line with the principles of fair hearing and justice enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution?” Mamedu stated.
He referenced Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair hearing, and noted that the Nigerian judiciary has ruled that legislative suspensions should not exceed 14 days.
Beyond the suspension, Mamedu urged equal urgency in addressing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition on sexual harassment allegations. “The Ethics Committee has demonstrated its ability to act swiftly—will this efficiency be extended to matters of justice and accountability, or does urgency only apply to punitive measures?” he asked.
AAN demanded an independent and transparent inquiry into the allegations against Akpabio, emphasizing the National Human Rights Commission’s (NHRC) role in ensuring impartiality. “The NHRC should initiate an independent review of the circumstances leading to her suspension and examine whether due process was fully observed,” Mamedu stated.
The suspension, AAN warned, also has broader implications for women’s political representation, reducing female senators from an already low 3.6% to 2.7%. Mamedu highlighted how countries like Rwanda and South Africa have achieved over 40% female representation, stressing that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension reinforces barriers that discourage women from political participation.
Additionally, the move disenfranchises the people of Kogi Central, leaving them without representation for six months. “Should a constituency be punished alongside its senator? The Senate must consider the broader consequences of such decisions and ensure that disciplinary measures do not undermine democratic governance,” Mamedu added.
He further questioned whether opposition voices were being silenced, stating that while legislative discipline is necessary, it must be exercised with fairness and consistency.
Reaffirming AAN’s commitment to gender justice and democratic integrity, Mamedu called on the Senate to uphold democratic principles by allowing dissenting voices. “The credibility of any democratic institution lies in its ability to accommodate differing perspectives, protect fundamental human rights, and ensure justice for all, regardless of gender, status, or political affiliation.”
As Nigeria marks International Women’s Day, AAN urged the government to accelerate gender equality efforts by promoting policies that support women’s political participation.
Mamedu warned that failure to act on these demands would send a dangerous message about Nigeria’s commitment to gender justice and human rights, concluding, “The credibility of the Senate—and indeed, our democracy—is at stake.”
