The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over what they assume to be a wrongful suspension placed over Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. SERAP is claiming that Akpabio’s inaction has led to an ‘unlawful politically motivated suspension which undermines basic democratic tenets’.
Background
It all stems from the Senate Akpoti-Uduaghan suspension for six months starting from June 2023 for what they called “unparliamentary conduct and disruptive behavior” as she has been accused of exorcising unrestrained authority during her time as a member of parliament. But her suspension is widely believed to be retaliatory in nature because it follows directly after the sexual harassment allegations she leveled against Akpabio during Senate proceedings.
Senator representing Kogi Central Akpoti-Uduaghan has insisted that the voice that she has raised against the rampant abuse of executive power is being effectively muted. Women advocacy groups, opposition activists, and other members of the civil society groups have opposed her suspension as an abusive use of power intended to stifle dissent within the Parliament.
SERAP’s Legal Action
Advancing the course of SERAP has been one of Nigeria’s most pro-active non-governmental organizations that defends democracy and fights for human rights. They now contend that the Senate’s conduct infringes on the constitutional rights of Akpoti-Uduaghan and sets a dangerous precedent. The organization demands the case be in favor of her immediate reinstatement, and that the court places the necessary legal damages upon Akpabio for bearing undue influence over his decision.
From the comment of SERAP at the news, through Kolawale Oluwadare, their Deputy Director, the group has made it clear that this case is aimed towards ensuring the preservation of democracy. “This action taken by the Senate of Nigeria towards Akpoti-Uduaghan is in itself a danger to freedom of speech and active participation in governance.”
Akpabio’s Defense
Akpabio chose to overlook this in his initial statements claiming, as he still does, that the suspension was a result waiting to be taken after several hearings to make a hearing report treatment to the Senate Rules. Akpabio’s office has since issued a defense statement regarding Akpabio’s decision reminding that every institution has the latitude to set its own boundaries and enforces discipline over its members.
Excerpts from the statement, “We entirely repudiate any attempt of political harassment or vendetta. The discipline measures adopted by the Senate was set in accordance with due process. It was brought about by conduct unbefitting a senator,”
Mounting Public Outrage
The situation has brought about acute protests under the title “We Are All Natasha” while the protestors demand the return of Akpoti-Uduaghan. Women’s rights activists, some legal practitioners, and opposition politicians have harshly condemned the Senate for what they did, claiming it destroys the reputation of Nigeria’s parliament and legislature.
Political analyst Dr. Ibrahim Musa, explained that “if the court gives a verdict in favor of SERAP, this would send the message that no parliamentary or legislative authority can act freely without the possibility of challenge or scrutiny from other branches.”
What’s Coming?
The case now sits in a court of law. All eyes will be on the court to watch if the Senate oversteps its authority or operates within the law. This outcome will determine if SERAP is successful in the case and, in-turn, if Akpoti-Uduaghan returns to the Senate, bringing further examination to Akpabio’s control.
For the time being, the issue has widened already existing fractures in the country’s politics, with a portion of politicians defying the irrational suspension and decision. The legal disturbances may create new foundations and boundaries for democratic self-regulation and institutional accountability in Nigeria.
Currently, the expectation in Nigeria rests on the judges and if a reasonable outcome will be determined – or an outcome purely defined by political dominance as they are used to circumventing legal processes.
