The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP, and the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations, CNCSOs, have condemned the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan.
The groups in a statement today, jointly signed by the deputy national publicity secretary of the of CNPP, James Ezema, and the national secretary of the CNCSOs, Ali Abacha, the organizations accused the Senate of bias and disregard for due process, describing the action as a hurried and malicious move to silence her.
The group as a result issued a 7-day ultimatum for Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to step aside, warning of mass protests and international mobilization if their demand was not met.
They alleged that Natasha’s six-month suspension was orchestrated in retaliation for a petition she submitted accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment.
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The groups criticized the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for proceeding with disciplinary actions despite a Federal High Court order restraining them from doing so.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu had earlier granted the order after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team filed an ex-parte application.
However, the Senate ignored the ruling and went ahead with the suspension.
They further questioned the unusual speed with which the Senate investigated, deliberated, and adopted the committee’s report.
The statement noted that Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, as the Senate Leader, justifying the urgency of the process reeks of bias and raises doubts about the integrity of the proceedings.
The groups proposed that an expanded probe panel be constituted, with its proceedings broadcast live by local and international media.